title: New Zealanders' self-reported uptake and attitudes towards the influenza vaccine in 2012.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to assess New Zealanders' uptake of the influenza vaccine in 2012, identify the demographic characteristics of people least likely to take up the vaccine, and identify the main reasons why some did not get the vaccine.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analysed responses to questions in the 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) about the influenza vaccine. The 2012 HLS was an in-home survey with a nationally representative sample of 2672 New Zealanders aged 15 years and over.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-thirds of New Zealanders said they did not receive the influenza vaccine in 2012. Younger adults and those who thought they were not eligible to get the vaccine for free were least likely to have received it. The most common reason for not receiving the vaccine was a low perceived susceptibility to influenza. Other common reasons were related to dislike or distrust of the vaccine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides information that could be used by health professionals, health promoters, and government agencies to improve the targeting and effectiveness of communication messages related to the influenza vaccine. Such communications are important because they can help encourage those New Zealanders who would benefit most from receiving the vaccine to take it up.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion Agency, 101 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand. h.guiney@hpa.org.nz.
authors.forename: Hayley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Guiney
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines