Table 4 Arguments for (not) accepting seasonal influenza vaccination (season 2014鈥�2015)
I did accept the influenza vaccination because (N鈥�=鈥�1142)* | Most important reason*** | Other reasons*** |
|---|---|---|
Vaccination protects me against getting the flu | 689 (61.7%) | 129 (11.6%) |
The general practitioner recommended it | 431 (38.6%) | 150 (13.4%) |
I think it is self-evident, it is part of healthy ageing | 377 (33.8%) | 232 (20.8%) |
I have positive experiences with previous vaccinations | 302 (27.1%) | 159 (14.2%) |
I think flu is a serious disease | 266 (23.8%) | 189 (16.9%) |
I do not want to contaminate other people | 239 (21.4%) | 176 (15.8%) |
I am afraid to lose my self-reliance/independence if I get the flu | 199 (17.8%) | 154 (13.8%) |
People around me, who I care about, got the flu | 83 (7.4%) | 128 (11.5%) |
Other, namely | 54 (4.8%) | 35 (3.1%) |
I did not accept the influenza vaccination because (N鈥�=鈥�536)** | 听 | 听 |
I feel healthy, therefore I do not need the vaccination | 191 (37.7%) | 120 (23.7%) |
Vaccination does not guarantee I do not get the flu | 178 (35.2%) | 132 (26.1%) |
I never get the flu | 132 (26.1%) | 84 (16.6%) |
I do not think the flu is severe enough to justify vaccination | 78 (15.4%) | 114 (22.5%) |
I have negative experiences with previous vaccinations | 44 (8.7%) | 56 (11.1%) |
I am afraid of side effects | 23 (4.5%) | 70 (13.8%) |
Because of negative media attention | 18 (3.6%) | 61 (12.1%) |
Because of anthroposophical, homeopathic or naturopathic convictions | 10 (2.0%) | 57 (11.3%) |
The general practitioner advised against it | 6 (1.2%) | 53 (10.5%) |
Because of my religious beliefs | 1 (0.2%) | 57 (11.3%) |
Other, namely | 35 (6.9%) | 25 (4.9%) |