Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination: patient perceptions

The efficacy of the influenza vaccine in reducing mortality and hospital ad missions is established, particularly in the elderly. However, up to 50% of those at risk do not receive the vaccine. These patients are also at risk from pneumococcal infection and there is considerable overlap between the t arget group for each vaccine. This study sought to identify at risk individuals from consecutive admissio ns to an acute geriatric unit and to gain an insight into their perceptions with regard to vaccination. The awareness of each vaccine was recorded, to gether with the vaccination history. Seventy four per cent of the final cohort had heard of the influenza vaccin e, while only 13% had heard of the pneumococcal vaccine. Fifty per cent per ceived themselves to be at risk from influenza and its complications and 87 % of the cohort believed it to be a serious infection. Influenza vaccine was judged to confer good protection by 72% of the sample and yet up to 50% believed that the vaccine can make the recipient hi. Influenza is perceived as a serious infection by patients and yet many do n ot believe themselves to be at particular risk. Although influenza vaccinat ion is believed to confer protection, the decision whether, or not, to acce pt the vaccine is coloured by many factors, including popular myths and ane cdotal information from friends and relatives. The uptake of influenza vacc ine is suboptimal and the awareness of the pneumococcal vaccine certainly i n the elderly is poor. The need for a comprehensive nationwide education ca mpaign promoting both influenza and pneumococcal vaccine is highlighted.