title: Trends in influenza vaccination coverage rates in Germany over five seasons from 2001 to 2006.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To assess influenza vaccination coverage from 2001 to 2006 in Germany, to understand drivers and barriers to vaccination and to identify vaccination intentions for season 2006/07.
  
  
  METHODS
  9,990 telephone-based household surveys from age 14 were conducted between 2001 and 2006. Essentially, the same questionnaire was used in all seasons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The influenza vaccination coverage rate reached 32.5% in 2005/06. In the elderly (> or years), the vaccination rate reached 58.9% in 2005/06. In those aged 65 years and older, it was 63.4%. Perceiving influenza as a serious illness was the most frequent reason for getting vaccinated. Thirteen percent of those vaccinated in 2005/06 indicated the threat of avian flu as a reason. The main reason for not getting vaccinated was thinking about it without putting it into practice. The major encouraging factor to vaccination was a recommendation by the family doctor. 49.6% of the respondents intend to get vaccinated against influenza in season 2006/07.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing vaccination rates were observed from 2001 to 2006 in Germany. The threat of avian influenza and the extended reimbursement programs may have contributed to the recent increase.
authors: European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland. mvindtholm@hotmail.com
authors: Majbrit V
authors: MV
authors: Holm
authors: Patricia R
authors: PR
authors: Blank
authors: Thomas D
authors: TD
authors: Szucs
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines