Health promotion: influenza vaccination
Seasonal influenza places a substantial burden on the elderly population, with approximately 90% of UK influenzarelated deaths occurring in adults aged 65 years and over. Vaccination remains the best way of preventing influenza disease and it is particularly important for this age group. However, the seasonal influenza vaccines currently available in the UK confer suboptimal levels of immunogenicity and efficacy in adults aged 65 years and above, primarily due to immunosenescence, i.e. weakening of the immune system, which occurs with age. There is a clear need for more effective vaccines that induce stronger immune responses and provide higher rates of protection in the elderly. This paper addresses the issues around seasonal influenza vaccination in older adults, and provides best practice points for the general practice nursing community in managing the unique needs of elderly individuals.
The influenza immunisation programme in the UK started in the 1960s and has since been extended to offer protection to those groups most vulnerable to the infection. The extension of the programme to children aims to directly protect them and reduce transmission of the virus to those around them. Early results from pilots run in England reveal reduction of influenza in areas where all primary school-age children were offered immunisation. Uptake among pre-school children has remained low in the first three years of the programme and there are opportunities to increase acceptance among parents. General practice nurses (GPNs) are among those most trusted in informing and reassuring parents about the benefits of immunisation. This article gives GPNs the background and rationale for the programme, and outlines supporting information available to assist them in this challenging and important role as an immuniser.
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