Awareness of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination in the Geriatric Age Group
Introduction: Immunization in the geriatric age group is an important component of preventive care. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are recommended to people aged 65 years and older regardless of an accompanying disease. Nevertheless, immunization rates among the geriatric age group are not...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Bilimsel Tip Yayinevi
2010-12-01
|
| Series: | Flora Infeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.floradergisi.org/getFileContent.aspx?op=REDPDF&file_name=2010-15-4-165-169.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Immunization in the geriatric age group is an important component of preventive care. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are recommended to people aged 65 years and older regardless of an accompanying disease. Nevertheless, immunization rates among the geriatric age group are not as high as desired. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaccination in this age group and the reasons for their not being vaccinated. We also aimed to create awareness about vaccination of the elderly. Patients and Methods: A total of 103 patients admitted to the geriatric medicine outpatient clinic for any reason were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked if they had received an influenza vaccination in the previous year and a pneumococcal vaccination after the age of 65 or in the last five years. Patients who were not vaccinated were asked why. Patients who were not vaccinated were also asked if they would accept to be vaccinated after being given information about elderly vaccination. The results were analyzed by SPSS 15.0. Results: A total of 103 patients aged 65 years and older were examined. The mean age of the study population was 75.6 ± 7.1 years, and 73 (70.9%) were female. It was determined that 53 (51.5%) patients had received the influenza vaccination in the previous year, while only 17 (16.5%) had received the pneumococcal vaccination in the last five years. The most common reason for not being vaccinated was found to be a lack of awareness that it was indicated in this age group (46.7% for influenza, 61% for pneumococcal vaccination). After being given information about vaccination, 60% of the patients stated that they would receive the influenza vaccine and 71.2% stated that they would receive the pneumococcal vaccine. Conclusion: This study determined that vaccination in the elderly has not reached the desired prevalence and that the most common reason for this was lack of awareness and information about vaccination. Elderly patients should be asked if they have been vaccinated and should be provided information about vaccination in an effort to increase their awareness and reach the targeted elderly vaccination rates. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1300-932X 1300-932X |