What influences elderly peoples’ decisions about whether to accept the influenza vaccination? A qualitative study

Influenza and its related illnesses remain a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the elderly worldwide. The current influenza vaccine campaign in the UK is only a partial success despite annual costly publicity campaigns. The aim of this study was to explore the influences on decision making by elderly people for influenza vaccine uptake. Twenty patients age 75 years and over were purposively selected from those eligible for influenza vaccination in an inner city general practice in England. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 patients who accepted and 10 who refused the vaccine. Those interviewed were concerned about maintaining their health, and had a good understanding of influenza, its transmission and prevention. The decision whether to accept or refuse the influenza vaccination was influenced by trust or mistrust of modern medicine, prior experience of vaccination and perceived risk from influenza. Newly acquired lay experience and personal perceived risk from influenza seemed to be more important catalysts for the change in vaccination uptake than professional recommendation or advertising by official government health agencies. In order to improve uptake rates, the official message promoting vaccine uptake needs to take more account of lay knowledge and the subjective assessment of risk.