Pneumococcal and influenza vaccine awareness in individuals over 65 years

Aims: Vaccination is of great importance due to the increased risk of infection as a result of changes in the immune system with aging and the weak immune response against these infections. In this study, it was aimed to determine the pneumococcal and influenza vaccination awareness and vaccination rates of individuals aged 65 years and over, to direct the unvaccinated individuals to be vaccinated and to protect them from possible infections and complications. Methods: A questionnaire form was filled in by asking demographic information, awareness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and the status of vaccination of individuals aged 65 years and over who applied to the clinic between June and September 2020. Unvaccinated individuals were referred to the vaccination unit. Results: A total of 553 elderly individuals aged 65 years and over, 338 women and 215 men, were included in the study. Among the study participants, the rate of patients with awareness of influenza/pneumococcal vaccine was 48.5%. Although the vaccination awareness rate was higher in males, non-smokers, those with higher education level, those with at least one of the comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, chronic renal failure, vaccination rates were lower in patients with these comorbidities and additionally diabetes mellitus. The majority of individuals with awareness were informed by healthcare workers. The rate of vaccination among the individuals participating in the study was 18.4%. Vaccination was higher in individuals with awareness. While 5.3% of those who were not vaccinated were hospitalized for pneumonia, those who were vaccinated did not have pneumonia severe enough to require hospitalization. Conclusion: In order to fight with the increasing vaccine hesitancy in our society, healthcare workers should be educated, the media should be supported, and vaccination should be encouraged in every clinic application.