Vacinação contra influenza em idosos de Pelotas, RS: um estudo de base populacional

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the prevalence of influenza vaccination and associated factors in the elderly, indentifying reasons for noncompliance and adverse events after vaccination. The design was cross-sectional population-based, in the urban area in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 2014. Among 1.451 elderly, 71% have been vaccinated in 2013. The adjusted analysis, the elderly ones from the A and B economic classes, who were not employed, were physically active, ex-smokers, who sought medical assistance last year and who reported two or more health problems had the highest prevalence of vaccination. The sex, age, skin color, marital status, education, alcohol use, limitations of mobility and overweight are not associated with influenza vaccination. The main reasons for noncompliance were “did not/do not like”, “do not get flu” and “to be afraid”. The most frequently reported adverse events were unease, muscle pain and pain/local swelling. It is necessary to invest in educational approaches in order to clarify controversies and to disclosure the benefits of vaccination.