Focus group study on perceptions and information needs regarding vaccines targeting the older population: a cross-country comparison in four European countries

Abstract

The increasing life expectancy leads to more older adults suffering from infectious diseases. Vaccines are available against diverse infections such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster and tetanus. However, vaccine acceptance is crucial for optimal preventive effect. The objective of the study is to perform a cross-country analysis of the perceptions and decision-making behaviour of older adults regarding vaccinations and their information needs. Focus groups with older adults were conducted in four countries: France, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Demographic characteristics of participants were gathered with a questionnaire. Influenza and tetanus vaccines were commonly known, as was the disease influenza. On the contrary, the awareness of the vaccines against pneumococcal disease and herpes zoster were low. Participants also expressed a need for more information on vaccines, such as possible side effects, contra-indications and duration of protection, emphasizing that information is a condition for decision-making on vaccination. General practitioners were found to be the most important in information provision on vaccines. Perceptions on vaccines, such as effectiveness, side effects and safety, as well as perceptions on infectious diseases, such as severity, susceptibility and experiencing an infectious disease, played a role in the decision-making of older adults on vaccines. More awareness of the information needs among older adults with regard to vaccines should be raised among general practitioners and other healthcare providers. This requires appropriate knowledge about the vaccines among healthcare providers as well as communication skills to meet the information needs of older adults.

Influenza vaccination landscape in Italy: A comprehensive study through the OBVIOUS project lens

“…Additionally, the primary care physician’s clinic was the second preferred location, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting vaccination uptake. 19 , 20 …”

Effectiveness of educational interventions for healthcare workers on vaccination dialogue with older adults: a systematic review

“…For example, only 50.8% of older adults in the European Union received the influenza vaccine in 2021 [ 5 ]. A potential reason for this low vaccine uptake is a lack of awareness among older adults about which vaccines are available to them [ 6 ].…”

“…Research underscores the pivotal role healthcare workers (HCW) play in facilitating vaccine acceptance among older adults [ 7 – 9 ]. Previously, we showed that older adults prefer to be informed by HCW on available vaccines [ 6 ]. It is observed that a significant factor influencing vaccine acceptance is the recommendation by an HCW.…”