Influenza immunization of Dutch general practitioners: vaccination rate and attitudes towards vaccination

With effect from the 2008/2009 season, yearly influenza immunization will be recommended to all Dutch general practitioners (GPs). For successful implementation of this recommendation, knowledge about the current vaccination rate and attitudes towards vaccination is necessary. In February 2008, a questionnaire was mailed to a random sample (n=730) of practicing GPs. Vaccination rate was determined and the factors associated with not being vaccinated were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Reasons for being vaccinated or not were also recorded. Of the 730 questionnaires sent out, 698 (96%) were completed and returned. In total, 248 GPs (36%) had been immunized against influenza. Independent factors related to not being vaccinated were female gender and age <40 years. Having no medical indication for an influenza vaccination and the conviction that one is protected against influenza because of frequent professional exposure to the virus were the most frequently reported reasons for not being vaccinated. The most frequently reported motives for being vaccinated were personal protection against influenza and a lower risk of transmitting the virus to patients. Education of GPs about the effects of vaccination may be needed to ensure their compliance to the current recommendation of yearly influenza immunization.