Older People's Views on Influenza Vaccine Uptake
Author Information
Author(s): Mangtani Punam, Breeze Elizabeth, Stirling Sue, Hanciles Smita, Kovats Sari, Fletcher Astrid
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the views of older people regarding influenza vaccine uptake?
Conclusion
Vaccine uptake was high, but non-uptake was still noted in 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged over 74 years.
Supporting Evidence
- 85% of men and 75% of women were vaccinated against influenza in the previous year.
- Over 80% reported being influenced by a recommendation by a health care worker.
- The most common reason for non-uptake was good health (44%).
- 81% of people reporting good health lived in owner-occupied housing with central heating.
Takeaway
Most older people think they don't need the flu shot because they feel healthy, but many still get sick from the flu.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey using a postal questionnaire sent to community-dwelling people aged 75 and over.
Potential Biases
The study may underestimate negative attitudes towards vaccination due to self-selection of participants.
Limitations
The sample may not represent the general population of older people as respondents were more likely to be vaccinated.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling individuals aged 75 and over.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.03–1.22
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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