Cross-sectional study on influenza vaccination, Germany, 1999-2000.
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.
Rehmet
Sybille
S
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany. sybille.rehmet@gtz.de
Ammon
Andrea
A
Pfaff
Günter
G
Bocter
Nikolaus
N
Petersen
Lyle R
LR
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*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines