Determinants of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in elderly people: a systematic review

SummaryObjectivesDespite strong national and international recommendations on immunization practices, rates for influenza (IV) and pneumococcal vaccinations (PV) are low. We aimed to review international immunization rates and to analyze attitudes and beliefs regarding IV and PV.Study designSystematic review.MethodThe MEDLINE database search comprised articles from 1966 to October 2005. Fourteen surveys evaluating a total number of 49 292 participants in nine different countries were included into the analysis.ResultsVaccination rates among risk groups do vary significantly between different countries, reaching highest rates in the USA (IV, 82%; PV, 71%) and lowest in former West-Germany for IV (37%) and in Israel for PV (20%). Recommendations by doctors play a central role in promoting IV and PV. The main reason for not being vaccinated was lack of information.ConclusionSpecific strategies targeted at groups are needed to increase the knowledge of IV and PV, and thereby decrease incidences of acute lung diseases.