Health Promoting Medications in Older People

Abstract

ed, because of the theoretical risk of anaphylaxis. One of the main issues is compliance with immunisation. In one survey in the US, only 34% of over 65year-olds surveyed had had influenza vaccination. The vaccine was significantly accepted by patients who had been advised by their doctor to be vaccinated yearly. These patients had a vaccination rate of 96.4%, emphasising the need for education. The rate of influenza vaccination in Australia was 165/1000 of the population in 1998. In a study of free vaccination for over 65year-olds in Victoria, approximately 70% received the vaccine (personal communication with Alan Hampson, Deputy Director, WHO Reference Centre). Fortunately the influenza vaccine was available free to all Australians aged 65 years and over in 1999.