Influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination rates among patients over 65 years of age, related factors, and their knowledge and attitudes

Background In this study, we aimed to determine influenza, pneumococcal, and herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination status, among patients aged 65 or above, and to determine their level of knowledge about these vaccines and the factors affecting the vaccination rates. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted through face-to-face interviews with patients who were admitted to Gemerek State Hospital Family Medicine Clinics. The questionnaire prepared by the researchers following the literature review was applied by researchers. Results The study included a total of 326 participants with a mean age of 71.59 +/- 6.96 (min: 65, max: 96). Influenza, pneumococcal, and HZ vaccination rates were 21.8% (n = 71), 4.3% (n = 14), and 1.8% (n = 6), respectively. The odds ratio (OR) in the patients for whom influenza vaccination was recommended was calculated to be 15.25 compared to those for whom influenza vaccination was not recommended (95% CI 8.73-26.64, p < 0.001), OR in the patients for whom pneumococcal vaccination was recommended was calculated to be 257.5 compared to those for whom pneumococcal vaccination was not recommended (95% CI 50.75-1306.44, p < 0.001), and OR in the patients for whom HZ vaccination was recommended was calculated to be 126.0 compared to those for whom HZ vaccination was not recommended (95% CI 18.59-853.92, p < 0.001). Conclusions The main findings of the present study are that the vaccination rate for all three vaccines is low, vaccination recommendation by a physician significantly increases vaccination rates, and the vaccination rate of patients, who have been informed by the physician about the vaccine, is higher.