Shortage of influenza vaccine in 2000-2001: did it change patient beliefs?
OBJECTIVE
To determine which patient beliefs associated with influenza vaccination changed during a vaccine shortage year (2000-2001) from a nonshortage year (1999-2000).


METHODS
Elderly patients (n=319), who had been previously interviewed about the 1999-2000 influenza season, were interviewed regarding the 2000-2001 season. Participants were from inner-city and suburban medical practices receiving influenza vaccine supply on time or late in the season.


RESULTS
Although vaccination rates did not diminish due to the influenza vaccine shortage (73% in 1999-2000 vs 74% in 2000-2001), some patient attitudes changed. More respondents expressed concerns about the influenza vaccine (3% in 1999-2000 vs 12% in 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and fewer responded that friends thought that they should get the vaccine (75% 1999-2000 vs 66% 2000-2001, p=0.005); that if one person in the household "got the flu" others would also (71% 1999-2000 vs 67% 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and that "a person who does not get the flu shot will get influenza" (36% 1999-2000 vs 30% 2000-2001, p=0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The influenza vaccine shortage resulted in a small increase in concerns about influenza vaccine, even in a population with good access to vaccine and high vaccination rates. Vaccine availability updates should include reassurances of vaccine safety and efficacy.
Zimmerman
Richard K
RK
Department of Family Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3518 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. zimmer@pitt.edu
Nowalk
Mary Patricia
MP
Santibanez
Tammy A
TA
Jewell
Ilene K
IK
Raymond
Mahlon
M
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012923:Social Class; D013383:Suburban Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
D007252:Influenza Vaccines