title: Cross-sectional study on influenza vaccination, Germany, 1999-2000.
abstract: To assess influenza vaccination coverage in Germany, we conducted a nationwide telephone survey in November 1999 in adults (>18 yrs) using random-digit dialing. Overall, 23% of 1,190 survey participants reported having been vaccinated (adjusted 18%) with 16% (adjusted 15%) in former West Germany versus 35% (adjusted 32%) in former East Germany. Immunization rates for vaccination target groups were lower in West Germany (21%) than in East Germany (40%). Seven percent of health-care workers were immunized. Previous influenza vaccination, positive attitudes towards immunization, and having a family physician increased the rate of vaccination; fear of adverse effects lowered the rate. Family physicians performed 93% of the vaccinations, which suggests their key role in improving low vaccination coverage in Germany. The fact that >71% (850/1,190) of participants belonged to at least one of the vaccination target groups recommended by the German Standing Commission on Immunization emphasizes the need to focus the definition of target groups.
authors.affiliation: Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany. sybille.rehmet@gtz.de
authors.forename: Sybille
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rehmet
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ammon
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pfaff
authors.forename: Nikolaus
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bocter
authors.forename: Lyle R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005859:Germany, East; D005860:Germany, West; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines