Determinants of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in elderly people: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Despite strong national and international recommendations on immunization practices, rates for influenza (IV) and pneumococcal vaccinations (PV) are low. We aimed to review international immunization rates and to analyze attitudes and beliefs regarding IV and PV.


METHODS
Systematic review.


METHODS
The MEDLINE database search comprised articles from 1966 to October 2005. Fourteen surveys evaluating a total number of 49292 participants in nine different countries were included into the analysis.


RESULTS
Vaccination rates among risk groups do vary significantly between different countries, reaching highest rates in the USA (IV, 82%; PV, 71%) and lowest in former West-Germany for IV (37%) and in Israel for PV (20%). Recommendations by doctors play a central role in promoting IV and PV. The main reason for not being vaccinated was lack of information.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific strategies targeted at groups are needed to increase the knowledge of IV and PV, and thereby decrease incidences of acute lung diseases.
Kohlhammer
Y
Y
Institute of Social Medicine, Medical University Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Beckergrube 43-47, D-23552 Lübeck, Germany.
Schnoor
M
M
Schwartz
M
M
Raspe
H
H
Schäfer
T
T
D000368:Aged; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*