FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INFLUENZA AND PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION BEHAVIOR AMONG HIGH-RISK ADULTS

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey assessed factors associated wit h influenza and pneumococcal vaccination behaviors among high-risk pat ients exposed to highly organized vaccination programs. INTERVENTIONS: Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 700 patients randomly selected from the outpatient roster of the medical center. Questions were asked about patient demographic and health characteristics in add ition to their knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza and pneumoc occal diseases and vaccines. MAIN RESULTS: After three mailings, the r esponse rate was 68%, and 80% of these respondents were in a high-risk roup. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates for high-risk resp ondents were 74.4% and 62.5%, respectively. Factors independently asso ciated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination behaviors incl uded health care providers' recommendations and having positive attitu des toward immunization. In addition, for influenza vaccination, willi ngness to comply with the provider's recommendation was also associate d with receipt of the vaccine while cigarette smoking was associated w ith failure to receive the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis on provider recommendations and the knowledge and attitudes of patients may enhanc e influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates, even in the context of organized vaccination programs.