INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS FOR THE ELDERLY - SOME CURRENT MISCONCEPTIONS

A telephone survey in March 1994 revealed that only 70% of 185 persons surveyed aged 65 and over were offered influenza vaccine during the l ast flu shot campaign; the sample was taken among non-institution resi dent of the Quebec City area who were likely to have regular health pr ofessional contact. Misinformation concerning influenza infection and vaccine remains widespread: 30% of the people surveyed still believe t hat the vaccine can transmit the virus and 21% consider the vaccine in effective. Incorrect beliefs are significantly more prevalent among th e unvaccinated populations: 12% stated that they were allergic to the vaccine; in fact, true allergies are rare. Health professionals should recognize that elderly people, though in regular contact with the hea lth care system, may not have been offered the influenza vaccine and m ay have inadequate information or incorrect beliefs regarding influenz a and its preventability.