Factors affecting prophylactic immunization compliance in elderly veterans: A study of pneumococcal immunization in the aged

Immunization among the high risk groups, including the elderly, remains unacceptably low for pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. This study determined the factors which influence pneumococcal vaccine compliance in the aged. A questionnaire developed for this study was mailed to all 300 veterans in west central Florida who were 85 years or older and were eligible for ambulant medical care at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida. They were asked regarding circumstances which influenced their decision for or against accepting pneumococcal vaccine. Ninety-two persons responded in self-addressed stamped envelopes and data were analyzed six months following mailing date. The single most important factor for not accepting vaccination was lack of information and unawareness that the immunization was necessary (81%). Fear of “shots” and side effects was the next most important reason for not taking the vaccine (15%). Lack of transportation to the doctor’s office prevented 12% of the subjects. Some subjects also did not have an interest in prophylactic immunization (8%). These data suggest that the lack of awareness, knowledge and information about pneumococcal immunization plays major roles in its poor acceptance among the elderly. Health education measures should improve vaccine compliance in this population who suffer from higher death rates and complications from pneumonia.