[Acceptability of vaccination against influenza]

Abstract

From 1984 to 1986 the general practitioners of Braine-le-Château (Belgium) have studied the frequency of influenza vaccination in people aged more than 65 years and its results. Without any particular promotion, 17% of patients were vaccinated in 1984. Following an information campaign conducted by general practitioners, the figure was 39% in 1985. The next year the information was completed by posters, editorials in newspapers and lectures organized for groups of retreated people. The number of vaccinated patients reached 41%. This study demonstrates that it is possible in a short time to improve the vaccination protection of elderly people through the action of practitioners convinced of efficacity of the influenza vaccine.