Influenza vaccination coverage in the geriatric population of the State of Geneva, Switzerland

Background: In Switzerland, every year the Federal Office ofPublic Health publishes recommendations for the use of influenzavaccine in people over 65 years, patients of all ages sufferingfrom chronic conditions or immunosuppression, families of thelatter and health professionals. However, prior to the presentstudy, there has been no evaluation of the degree to which theserecommendations are implemented. The purpose of the survey describedin this article was to evaluate flu vaccination coverage ofthe geriatric population living in the community, to obtainqualitative information on the motivation for receiving vaccinationand to understand the network of communication on flu prevention.Methods: The study was performed on a random sample of 1,200residents of the State of Geneva aged 65 years or older. Itinvolved a mail questionnaire and semi-structured telephoneinterviews on a subsample of respondents. Results: The estimatedvaccination coverage for 1994 was equal to 35.5% in persons65 years-old or older. Receiving information from a physicianwas the major determinant in the decision to be vaccinated.Misconceptions about flu were common. Conclusions: The resultsof this study indicate that national recommendations concerningvaccination of elderly people are insufficiently observed inthe State of Geneva. It is necessary to reinforce preventivemessages that explain why flu vaccination should be performed.These messages should aim at correcting and completing elementsof information already present in the at-risk population.