Vaccination status in elderly and the effect of information

Our research aims to determine elderly individuals' level of knowledge about the vaccine and the rate of elderly vaccinated, to increase the awareness of individuals about old-age immunization and the rates of vaccination achieved. Material and Method A questionnaire was applied with telephone to four hundred patients sixty years and over who referred to Adnan Menderes University Hospital Family Medicine Clinic in January 2010- May 2014 and agreed to participate in the study. The patients were asked about demographic details, awareness about elderly immunization and immunization history. After the survey the patients were informed about elderly vaccination. The same patients were called and questioned vaccination status after three months. Results Of the 400 patients 279 (%69,8) were female, 121 (%30,3) were male. Few of the participants answered positive that " Is it necessary vaccines over 65 years?". All of 17 patients answered positive, said that the vaccine protects against disease. A few of patients know old-age vaccines. The phsician's advice of those vaccinated is limited. Before information; influenza vaccination rate is %1, pneumococcal vaccination rate is %1, tetanus vaccination rate is %1,3. Before information total immunized patients are %2,5 (10 patients) and after information, this rate increases to % 10,8 (43 patients). Conclusion These results showed that the knowledge of the elderly population about old-age immunization in primary care settings is insufficient. Especially the sensitivity on this subject of family physicians who govern clinical processes with holistic approach and comprehensive maintenance policy will make a majör contribution to higher vaccination rates. Key Words: Old- age, vaccination in elderly, family medicine, preventive medicine, knowledge