Factors associated with self-reported pneumococcal immunization among adults 65 years of age or older in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
BACKGROUND
As part of a 3-year demonstration project to improve pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) coverage among older adults, the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a baseline evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among the general public regarding PPV.


METHODS
A random-digit dialing telephone survey was conducted among community-dwelling adults age 65 years or older in three metropolitan counties in Minnesota during April through June 1998.


RESULTS
Three hundred fifty-three interviews were completed; self-reported PPV coverage was 59% (95% CI 54%, 64%). Nearly all (94%) respondents reported at least one medical visit in the past year. Unvaccinated respondents expressed willingness to be vaccinated if they knew about PPV's safety, dosage, and preventive role. In a final multivariate regression model, factors associated with PPV vaccination included awareness of PPV (OR 7.8; CI 2.1, 29.2; P = 0.002), opinion that receiving PPV is "very important" (OR 8.3; CI 3.2, 21.6; P < 0.001), awareness that Medicare covers PPV (OR 5.1; CI 1.9, 13.8; P = 0.001), physician ever offering PPV (OR 21.7; CI 6.2, 76.6; P < 0.001), and physician regularly offering PPV (OR 3.9; CI 1.1, 13.7; P = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Respondents were significantly influenced by their physician offering PPV. Therefore, providers' practices are a critical target for improving PPV coverage. Educational efforts to inform patients about PPV and to address misconceptions (e.g., safety, efficacy, Medicare coverage) also may improve vaccination levels.
Ehresmann
K R
KR
Acute Disease Epidemiology Section, Minnesota Department of Health, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55440, USA. kristen.ehresmann@health.state.mn.us
Ramesh
A
A
Como-Sabetti
K
K
Peterson
D C
DC
Whitney
C G
CG
Moore
K A
KA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D008910:Minnesota; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D014481:United States
D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines