[Study of immunization promotion against influenza in nursing homes and long term care facilities in Quebec]

This study measured the rate of influenza immunization in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and evaluated the effectiveness of a promotion program in reaching the national objective of 95% coverage. At the end of 1993, data were provided by 55 of the 79 nursing homes in the region of Montérégie, Quebec. The mean reported immunization rate was 78%, minimum 19% and maximum 100%. In 70% of cases, non-vaccination was due to patient refusal. In 1994, an intervention was carried out in a random sample of 28 nursing homes. Directors, chiefs of nursing and consulting physicians were informed of the coverage achieved in their institution in relation to the national objective. In addition, presentations were given to the nursing personnel and residents. These presentations were made by post-graduate medical students in 22 of the 28 nursing homes in the experimental group. No increase in the mean immunization rate was observed, indicating that it will be more difficult than expected to reach the desired level of coverage.