Richard K. Zimmerman|Tammy A. Santibanez|Janine E. Janosky|Michael J. Fine|Mahlon Raymund|Stephen Wilson|Inis Jane Bardella|Anne R. Medsger|Mary Patricia Nowalk
What affects influenza vaccination rates among older patients? An analysis from inner-city, suburban, rural, and veterans affairs practices
University of Pittsburgh|University of Pittsburgh|University of Pittsburgh|VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System|University of Pittsburgh|University of Pittsburgh Medical Center|University of Pittsburgh|University of Pittsburgh|University of Pittsburgh
background despite strong evidence effectiveness influenza vaccination immunization rates reached plateau 2010 national goals objective identify facilitators barriers vaccination diverse groups older patients methods survey conducted 2000 computerassisted telephone interviewing patients innercity health centers veterans affairs va outpatient clinics rural practices suburban practices inclusion criteria age 66 years office visit september 30 1998 results overall 1007 73 interviews completed among 1383 patients influenza vaccination rates 91 va clinics 79 rural practices 79 suburban practices 67 innercity health centers substantial variability vaccination rates among practices except va nearly persons vaccinated reported physicians recommended influenza vaccinations compared 63 unvaccinated patients p 0001 thirtyeight percent unvaccinated patients concerned would get influenza vaccine compared 6 vaccinated persons p 0001 sixtythree percent vaccinated contrast 22 unvaccinated persons thought unvaccinated person would probably contract influenza p 0001 conclusion older patients need intentional messages physicians recommend vaccination furthermore patient education needed counter myths adverse reactions