The flu vaccination should be promoted as a positive lifestyle choice in order to increase uptake, especially among older workers, a report has suggested.
The World Health Organization’s target for rates of influenza vaccination among older people is 75%. However, only a handful of countries have met this target in recent years, with “vaccine hesitancy” one of the most common reasons behind the lack of uptake, according to the think-tank The International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK).
Between 2005 and 2015, the average rate of flu vaccination among people aged 65 and over decreased from 49% to 43% across the 36 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
According to ILC-UK, which undertook qualitative research of 48 people aged 60 and over as part of its Under the skin report, vaccinations are usually associated with childhood and earlier stages of life rather than something that people of all ages can benefit from.
While some respondents were aware of the vaccines aimed at older people, such as flu and shingles, many thought of adult immunisation only in the context of boosters or travel vaccinations.
People were also unsure about the links between ageing and vulnerability to disease. Some believed vaccines compromised their immune system and increased the likelihood of catching an illness.
Dan Holden, a senior research fellow at ILC-UK, said the messaging around seasonal flu vaccination needs to be reframed so it is seen as a “positive lifestyle choice” like “taking vitamins or going for a walk”.
“Healthcare professionals and the media play a key role in this space, but we are all responsible to communicate positive messages about vaccination within our families, our friends, as well as the wider community,” he added.
Jane Barratt, secretary general at the International Federation on Ageing, said: “Dispelling myths around adult vaccines is a key to improving uptake rates.
“Healthy older people are at-risk of vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza and pneumonia. It really hits home though when these infections prevent us from being grandparents, volunteers and contributing members of the society.”
Last winter saw more than 2,000 admitted to hospital for critical care after a particularly severe strain of the flu virus swept the UK.
The flu vaccination has also been seen as a tool to increase productivity, with ILC-UK suggesting last year that it could save up to £28.9m in averted sick day costs.
As the article rightly mentions, hesitancy in taking vaccines is a major problem around the world. One important factor is the misconception that the vaccine may cause flu. People need to understand that the vaccine takes around two weeks to develop the immunity from the time of administering and the fever like symptoms are just some minute allergies related to the shot. It has been predicted that this year’s flu may be one of the worst we have ever seen and so basic precautions are a must in order to keep the flu at bay. Special attention to hygiene must be given and moderation in daily diet is also advised. Dark chocolate, pumpkin, green tea etc are said to be notably efficient in combating the flu as this article suggests foodlocator.menu/blog/10-foods-that-help-prevent-the-flu The list of food items are vital during the peak flu season. They keep the body metabolism intact and are beneficial to health.