[Evolution of influenza vaccination coverage in France from 2001 to 2006]

The increased risk of a new influenza pandemic has raised awareness of the need for high influenza vaccination rates.

This study aims at assessing trends in influenza vaccination coverage from 2001 to 2006 in France, at understanding the drivers and barriers, and to identify vaccination intentions for 2006/2007.

We conducted a mail-based household survey on 9,835 persons representative of the population from age 15. Essentially, the same questionnaire was used in all seasons.

The influenza vaccination coverage rate slightly increased, reaching 24.2% in 2005/2006 (70.1% in patients over 65). In the last two seasons the fact that the vaccination was provided for free was the most frequent reason for getting vaccinated. Older age, considering influenza as a serious disease and recommendations from the family doctor or nurse were also important drivers for vaccination. Only 2% of those vaccinated in 2005/2006 indicated the threat of avian influenza as a reason. The reasons for non-vaccination among persons never vaccinated before were feeling too young for vaccination, never having considered vaccination before and absence of recommendation by the family doctor. Among those who were previously vaccinated but not in the current season, the reasons for not being vaccinated were not finding vaccination necessary, forgetfulness and having influenza-like illness despite vaccination.

Stable vaccination rates were observed from 2001 to 2006. France is well on its way to reach the international vaccination goal set by the WHO (75% in the elderly population), but continuously effort is needed for others.