[Qualitative interview study on acceptance of influenza vaccination among the elderly]

Nine elderly men and women were interviewed in order to discover factors of importance in accepting influenza vaccinations. The study demonstrated that the fee to be paid by the patients was a considerable barrier to an improvement of the vaccination rate. The elderly informants were all aware that influenza vaccine is available. Some informants expressed uncertainty whether they themselves belonged to the risk groups who should be vaccinated. Sources of information were the general practitioner (GP), relatives, and the mass media. More personal information from the GP to persons at risk was wanted. Influenza vaccination behaviour was found to be consistent with the Health Belief Model. The present organization of influenza vaccinations does not promote a sufficient immunization rate. The threshold for accepting influenza vaccinations appears to be too high for the elderly population.