Vaccination Status and Related Factors in an Elderly Turkish Population Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study

In this single center, cross sectional study self-reported status of vaccinations for influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, pandemic influenza A/H1N1 and hepatitis B were recorded in people over 65 years of age. Associates of having been vaccinated were also examined systematically. Between June 2010 and June 2011, a total of 810 subjects were interviewed. In the last 6 years as a whole, 47.2% of the participants reported at least 1 vaccination. The frequency of getting vaccinated in the last 12 months was higher compared to the last 5 years. Influenza vaccine was the most administered one both in the last 12 months and the last 5 years. The most frequent personal reason reported for vaccination was the need for protection against diseases. Healthcare professionals and media were the most effective factors in inducing awareness of vaccination among the elderly. Unwillingness to get vaccinated was linked to the idea of inessentiality as well as having inadequate information.