OBJECTIVE: To determine which patient beliefs associated with influenza vaccination changed during a vaccine shortage year (2000-2001) from a nonshortage year (1999-2000). METHODS: Elderly patients (n=319), who had been previously interviewed about the 1999-2000 influenza season, were interviewed regarding the 2000-2001 season. Participants were from inner-city and suburban medical practices receiving influenza vaccine supply on time or late in the season. RESULTS: Although vaccination rates did not diminish due to the influenza vaccine shortage (73% in 1999-2000 vs 74% in 2000-2001), some patient attitudes changed. More respondents expressed concerns about the influenza vaccine (3% in 1999-2000 vs 12% in 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and fewer responded that friends thought that they should get the vaccine (75% 1999-2000 vs 66% 2000-2001, p=0.005); that if one person in the household "got the flu" others would also (71% 1999-2000 vs 67% 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and that "a person who does not get the flu shot will get influenza" (36% 1999-2000 vs 30% 2000-2001, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The influenza vaccine shortage resulted in a small increase in concerns about influenza vaccine, even in a population with good access to vaccine and high vaccination rates. Vaccine availability updates should include reassurances of vaccine safety and efficacy.
OBJECTIVE: To determine which patient beliefs associated with influenza vaccination changed during a vaccine shortage year (2000-2001) from a nonshortage year (1999-2000). METHODS: Elderly patients (n=319), who had been previously interviewed about the 1999-2000 influenza season, were interviewed regarding the 2000-2001 season. Participants were from inner-city and suburban medical practices receiving influenza vaccine supply on time or late in the season. RESULTS: Although vaccination rates did not diminish due to the influenza vaccine shortage (73% in 1999-2000 vs 74% in 2000-2001), some patient attitudes changed. More respondents expressed concerns about the influenza vaccine (3% in 1999-2000 vs 12% in 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and fewer responded that friends thought that they should get the vaccine (75% 1999-2000 vs 66% 2000-2001, p=0.005); that if one person in the household "got the flu" others would also (71% 1999-2000 vs 67% 2000-2001, p<0.0001), and that "a person who does not get the flu shot will get influenza" (36% 1999-2000 vs 30% 2000-2001, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The influenza vaccine shortage resulted in a small increase in concerns about influenza vaccine, even in a population with good access to vaccine and high vaccination rates. Vaccine availability updates should include reassurances of vaccine safety and efficacy.
Authors: Richard K Zimmerman; Melissa Tabbarah; Mary Patricia Nowalk; Mahlon Raymund; Stephen A Wilson; Ann McGaffey; J Todd Wahrenberger; Bruce Block; Edmund M Ricci Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2007-05 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Chyongchiou J Lin; Mary Patricia Nowalk; Richard K Zimmerman; Feng-Shou Ko; Lisa Zoffel; Alejandro Hoberman; Diana H Kearney Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Mary Patricia Nowalk; Chyongchiou J Lin; Richard K Zimmerman; Feng-Shou Ko; Alejandro Hoberman; Lisa Zoffel; Diana H Kearney Journal: J Natl Med Assoc Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 1.798