Factors Influencing Flu Vaccination in Primary Health Care

Factors Influencing Flu Vaccination in Primary Health Care

This study aims to study the barriers to flu vaccination among at-risk people at the Primary Health Care level in order to increase the vaccination rates as recommended by the World Health Organization.

People from vulnerable groups (e.g., those diagnosed with Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma) are at increased risk of developing complications from infection with influenza virus, that could ultimately result in death.

Flu vaccination is recommended by many authorities, including the World Health Organization, as a means to decrease the risk of developing such life-threatening conditions. However, vaccination rates are well below the recommended threshold.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People 65+ otherwise healthy;
• Patients of any age diagnosed with at least one of the following conditions: Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, Coronary Disease or Hearth failure;
• No history of flu vaccination in the previous year.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have been vaccinated against the flu but who have no record of it in the clinical records;
• Patients with contraindications to flu vaccination;
• Patients that cannot be reached either by phone or letter.