Influenza vaccination coverage in Canterbury rest homes.

AIMS

First, to investigate the effect on Canterbury rest home residents of national policy making influenza vaccination free for those aged 65 years and over. Second, to assess rest home staff influenza vaccination coverage.

METHODS

A comparison of influenza vaccination coverage in Canterbury rest home residents during 1996 and 1997 was conducted. Subgroups of rest homes were formed in 1997 to minimise the bias introduced through conducting a coverage survey in 1996. Staff vaccination coverage was also assessed in 1997.

RESULTS

Influenza vaccination coverage of Canterbury rest home residents was 74% in 1996 and 76% in 1997. Staff vaccination coverage was 21% in 1997. Significantly more staff were vaccinated in rest homes that offered free influenza vaccination to their staff.

CONCLUSIONS

The free influenza vaccination policy had no measurable impact on Canterbury rest home residents' vaccination coverage. This may be due to a ceiling effect of previously high coverage. Coverage was low amongst rest home staff. Providing the vaccination free of charge might improve staff coverage.