Influenza vaccination coverage in the geriatric population of the State of Geneva, Switzerland

Background: In Switzerland, every year the Federal Office of Public Health publishes recommendations for the use of influenza vaccine in people over 65 years, patients of all ages suffering from chronic conditions or immunosuppression, families of the latter and health professionals. However, prior to the present study, there has been no evaluation of the degree to which these recommendations are implemented. The purpose of the survey described in this article was to evaluate flu vaccination coverage of the geriatric population living in the community, to obtain qualitative information on the motivation for receiving vaccination and to understand the network of communication on flu prevention. Methods: The study was performed on a random sample of 1,200 residents of the State of Geneva aged 65 years or older. It involved a mail questionnaire and semi-structured telephone interviews on a subsample of respondents. Results: The estimated vaccination coverage for 1994 was equal to 35.5% in persons 65 years-old or older. Receiving information from a physician was the major determinant in the decision to be vaccinated. Misconceptions about flu were common. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that national recommendations concerning vaccination of elderly people are insufficiently observed in the State of Geneva. It is necessary to reinforce preventive messages that explain why flu vaccination should be performed. These messages should aim at correcting and completing elements of information already present in the at-risk population.