Achieving national influenza vaccine targets--an investigation of the factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake in older people and people with diabetes.

A survey by postal questionnaire of a random sample of community residents with diabetes mellitus and those aged 75 years was undertaken in one Health Authority area to examine the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake in these groups. The questionnaire sought: information on vaccine uptake and non-uptake over the previous three winter periods; patient attitudes to and knowledge about influenza and influenza vaccine; sources of patients' information; and patients' views on improving vaccine uptake. Self-reported vaccine uptake had increased in people with diabetes from 53.9% in 1997-98 to 67.6% in 1999-2000, and in people aged 75 years and over from 63.5% in 1997-98 to 70.2% in 1999-2000. Factors significantly associated with vaccine uptake in people with diabetes included a history of previous vaccination OR 40 (95% confidence interval 9,206), recommendation by a health professional OR 14 (2.9, 90) and belief that the vaccine protects against flu OR 5.6 (1.8, 18.9). Factors significantly associated with vaccine uptake in older people included the belief that the vaccine protects against flu OR 23 (8.4, 69.4), a history of previous vaccination OR 10 (3.9, 28.3) and not being concerned about side-effects OR 4 (2.1, 7.9). Information given by a health professional was the only source of information found to significantly influence vaccine uptake. Interventions suggested to increase uptake include provision of more information and better access to influenza vaccination. It is concluded that uptake rates for influenza vaccine have increased over the last three years to 67.4% in people with diabetes and 70.2% in people aged 75 and over. Professionals play a key role in influencing the decision to have influenza vaccine. Information about influenza and its vaccine needs to be combined with improvements in service provision if overall target uptake rates of 70% (65% in those aged 65 years and over) are to be achieved.