Influenza vaccination coverage in adults belonging to defined target groups, Germany, 2003/2004

In 2003, a nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current influenza vaccination coverage of the adult population of Germany, especially in persons belonging to defined target groups. Of 666 surveyed persons, 190 (adjusted 24%) had received influenza vaccination and 419 participants belonged to at least one target group. Of those, 28% (95% confidence interval (CI) 22-35%) in former West Germany and 45% (95% CI 38-52%) in former East Germany had received influenza vaccination. The offer for vaccination by a physician was associated with a high likelihood for vaccination (odds ratio (OR) 19.0; 95% CI 8.9-40.6). Another important factor influencing vaccination uptake was having received influenza vaccination in prior seasons (OR 7.1; 95% CI 3.8-13.2). Vaccination coverage in the adult population of Germany remains unsatisfactory. Physicians have an important role and should be targeted for campaigns to offer the vaccination more frequently in particular to persons belonging to target groups.