People who did not have the flu vaccine said they:

?·    Didn't see themselves as vulnerable.

?·    Felt less convinced that the vaccine was effective after negative reports from others about its efficacy and side-effects.

?·    Felt that it was sufficient to take preventative measures, such as leading a healthy lifestyle, with sufficient exercise, a good diet, good hand hygiene, keeping warm and staying away from germs.

?·    Were more likely to trust indigenous health practices, such as special drinks, food or other traditional remedies.

"Our findings support the growing evidence that older people are much more likely to be vaccinated against flu if they feel vulnerable, see flu as a threat and believe that the vaccine will be effective with little, or no, side effects" says Professor Pang.

"It also revealed a finding that we do not believe has been observed in previous studies: that those who distrust the vaccine's effectiveness are more likely to rely on healthy lifestyles, good hand hygiene and indigenous health practices to protect them from flu.

"Cost was also a factor in countries where free healthcare was not available and some people did not have easy access to a local centre offering vaccinations. The importance of providing regular reminders was also important, as was creating a culture where receiving an annual flu vaccine was the norm for older people."

The study, which was funded by the International Council of Nurses, includes further details on each country's participants, together with quotes from the focus groups.    

journalofadvancednursing