Influenza vaccine uptake in adults aged 50-64 years: policy and practice in England 2003/2004.
A small national study was carried out in England in 2003/2004 to ascertain the views of primary care trusts (PCTs) and general practitioners (GPs) on whether influenza immunisation should be extended to all people aged 50-64 years from the current recommendation of 65 years or more. Results showed that as many primary care trusts would be in favour, as would not be in favour. A similarly divided view was expressed by general practitioners. Vaccine uptake rates for high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) adults aged 50-64 years in the study population were higher in those practices where the GP was in favour of a more inclusive policy of offering flu vaccine to all persons aged 50 years or more, compared with those that did not favour this policy (60% versus 54% HR (p=0.02) and 16% versus 11% LR (p=0.02)). Higher rates of vaccine uptake for low-risk patients aged 50-64 years were also reported from practices where GPs perceived a greater health benefit of immunisation for this age group. Although policy for recommending vaccine to all patients aged 50 years or more is established elsewhere, opinion on whether such a policy should be adopted in England is currently divided amongst those providing local health services.
Joseph
Carol
C
Respiratory Diseases Department, Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK. carol.joseph@hpa.org.uk
Elgohari
Suzanne
S
Nichols
Tom
T
Verlander
Neville
N
D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007252:Influenza Vaccines