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How to improve the uptake of influenza vaccination in older persons at risk

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Abstract

A study was carried out to ascertain if those older persons at risk from influenza in Ireland would respond to a personalised invitation to attend for vaccination. Of the 193 patients invited to attend for vaccination, 126 (65.3 per cent) presented for vaccination. This rose to 142 (73.6 per cent) after a reminder letter was went out. In the year previous to the study only 80 (41.5 per cent) of the same cohort of patients were vaccinated. This study has demonstrated how a simple invitation for influenza vaccination can dramatically improve the uptake rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Surgery, Deerpark Virginia, Co. Cavan

    G. Igoe & S. Collins

  2. Department of Public Health, North Eastern Health Board, Railway Street, Navan, Co. Meath

    Declan Bedford & F. Howell

Authors
  1. G. Igoe
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  2. Declan Bedford
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  3. F. Howell
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  4. S. Collins
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Igoe, G., Bedford, D., Howell, F. et al. How to improve the uptake of influenza vaccination in older persons at risk. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 168, 107–108 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02946476

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02946476

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