Views and knowledge about the influenza vaccination

Background. Many people do not realize the danger posed by influenza. The consequences of the flu have considerable reflection not only in the sphere of health care, but also economics. Objectives. To examine the views and the level of knowledge about the flu vaccine. Material and methods. Studies used results of author surveys performed in February-March 2012. The test group included 100 randomly selected people. The questionnaire consisted of 12 one-choice questions. Results. 74% of women and 49% men said they had never been vaccinated against the flu. Respondents who had ever been vaccinated against flu, asked for the reason, said their decision: 51% - not to get sick. Respondents who do not get regularly vaccinated, asked about the most important reason about it, 44% responded that they believe that vaccinating against avian influenza is not effective. 38% of women and 35% of men replied that it is not worth to get vaccinated. For 41 % the greatest benefit that vaccination against flu can bring, is its lighter course in case they get sick. Only 26% of respondents indicated gave a complete response that among the specified groups vaccination is recommended to all the above. Conclusions. Only a small percentage of the respondents get regularly and consciously vaccinated against the flu. The most emphasis should be put on education in the prevention of influenza and vaccinations.