Promoting influenza vaccination in older people: rationale and reality.
Influenza is a serious, preventable disease for older people. Vaccination saves lives and reduces healthcare costs. The UK should be vaccinating 85% of risk groups by 2010. The uptake of vaccination is influenced by four factors: the socioeconomic status of patients; the system of vaccination; vaccine mistrust and fear of side-effects; and health beliefs. An effective vaccination programme needs to target and be sensitive to the particular needs of older people. It should include a combination of strategies to promote vaccination (flyers, personal invitations; doctor's recommendation); acknowledgement of lay beliefs; special clinics organized around older people; and special arrangements for housebound older people and those living in care homes.
While
Alison
A
King's College London, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, UK. alison.while@kcl.ac.uk
George
Cathy
C
Murgatroyd
Beth
B
D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015994:Incidence; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D007252:Influenza Vaccines