Provider endorsement: the strongest cue in prompting high-risk adults to receive influenza and pneumococcal immunizations.

Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease could decrease the sickness, suffering, and death from flu and pneumonia, yet immunization rates for adults at highest risk remain less than Healthy People 2000's goal of 60%. This study examined the effect of an educational cue on vaccination acceptance, ascertained the most influential reasons for receiving vaccination, and determined to what extent prior influenza immunization affected repeat vaccination. Two brochures, one each for influenza and pneumonia, were disseminated to 52% of 463 participants residing in two rural Maine counties. Information was sought from all participants via an anonymous written questionnaire. An educational cue did not increase vaccination coverage in this high-risk sample. Provider recommendation was the most important reason adults received immunization. Prior vaccination was a strong predictor of present immunization status. This study suggests that practitioner endorsement can significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with flu and pneumonia by improving immunization rates.