title: Influenza vaccination in adults with a long-term condition.
abstract: Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in certain high-risk groups and the elderly. However, uptake rates of influenza vaccination by people in high-risk groups have been low. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge and views about the influenza vaccination in adults under 65 years with a long-term condition, in order to identify influences on people's decisions to be immunised and thereby improve uptake rates of the vaccination. Recommendation from a healthcare professional and the perception of being in a high-risk group were major factors in deciding to accept the influenza vaccination. The risk of side effects appeared to play a far smaller part in the decision-making process among the individuals in this study group than in the older age groups studied previously by other researchers.
authors.affiliation: Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines