Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination among high-risk groups aged less than 65 years - views from general practitioners and practice nurses

Aust N Z J Public Health. 2007 Dec;31(6):558-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2007.00143.x.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the views of general practitioners and practice nurses about barriers to influenza vaccination among under 65 high-risk patients and strategies to overcome those barriers.

Methods: Focus group discussions with general practitioners and practice nurses.

Results: Barriers identified included: lack of awareness among patients about influenza vaccination; GP workload; poor GP motivation; lack of practice nurses; lack of patient recall systems; cost of vaccine; and lack of media campaign. Strategies proposed included: public education campaigns; free supply of vaccine; dissemination of evidence to motivate GPs; incentives to establish recall systems; and greater involvement of practice nurses in the process.

Conclusion: Influenza vaccination has not been well accepted by people aged less than 65 years. Implementation of proposed strategies has the potential to improve the vaccination coverage.

Implications: An improvement in influenza vaccination coverage among people less than 65 years who are in high-risk groups has the potential to reduce hospitalisation and health care costs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Awareness*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Education
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse Practitioners*
  • Physicians, Family*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Marketing

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines