Maximising influenza vaccination awareness and uptake among older adults.

What is it about?

Influenza viruses circulate and cause disease annually through contact or airborne transmission. In 2016, there were 177 deaths in the over 65s in England and Wales due to influenza. While In 2017-18, at least 120 people in the UK died from influenza and over 30 000 people visited their GP in the second week of January 2018 with influenza symptoms. Vaccination is effective in preventing influenza infection. This paper critically reviews the literature, identifying the need for and priorities of a public health strategy to improve vaccination awareness and uptake among older adults.

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Why is it important?

Influenza can result in severe complications, such as Streptococcus pneumonia and acute coronary syndrome. These conditions are associated with increased mortality and hospitalisation rates, particularly among adults ≥65, who are more susceptible to influenza virus infection. The current rate of influenza vaccine uptake among people >50 in Singapore is 15.2% while the rate of immunisation in this age group in the UK has stabilised at between 71% and 75%. However much effort is still needed to increase the vaccination awareness and uptake.

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