Influenza vaccinations for high-risk adult populations: How well is general practice doing?

While influenza vaccine uptake in older Australian adults is fairly high, uptake in younger at-risk adults is suboptimal. The aim of this study was to explore general practice's ability to deliver the national influenza vaccination program in high-risk adult populations.

The study was a qualitative inquiry framed by the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B model) using semi-structured interviews and content analysis.

Six general practitioners and eight practice nurses were recruited from diverse locations across Australia. Participants generally reported having the capability, opportunity and motivation to effectively deliver influenza vaccination to high-risk adults. Perceived barriers included time pressures, complexity of patient consultations, difficulty reaching high-risk younger adults, issues related to optimal timing of influenza vaccination, inconsistent vaccine supply and pharmacist involvement in vaccination.

Making influenza vaccination recommendations a 'whole-of-practice' staff responsibility can address some challenges. Clear and consistent messaging about the importance and optimal timing of influenza vaccination, and a more efficient vaccine supply chain, would support influenza vaccination in general practice.