Behavior and beliefs about influenza vaccine among adults aged 50-64 years.

Objective: To examine demographics and beliefs about influenza disease and vaccine that may be associated with influenza vaccination among 50- to 64-year-olds.

Methods: A national sample of adults aged 50-64 years surveyed by telephone.

Results: Variables associated with receiving influenza vaccination included age, education level, recent doctor visit, and beliefs about vaccine effectiveness and vaccine safety.

A qualitative assessment of factors influencing acceptance of a new rotavirus vaccine among health care providers and consumers.

Background: In 2006, a new rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq) was licensed in the US and recommended for routine immunization of all US infants. Because a previously licensed vaccine (Rotashield) was withdrawn from the US for safety concerns, identifying barriers to uptake of RotaTeq will help develop strategies to broaden vaccine coverage.

Methods: We explored beliefs and attitudes of parents (n = 57) and providers (n = 10) towards rotavirus disease and vaccines through a qualitative assessment using focus groups and in-depth interviews.

"Why tell me now?" the public and healthcare providers weigh in on pandemic influenza messages.

As scientists closely watch avian influenza A (H5N1) or "bird flu" as a potential progenitor of an influenza pandemic, researchers from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education conducted with focus groups with the public and interviews with healthcare providers to test pandemic influenza messages. General public findings include variable awareness of pandemic influenza, subtle changes in terms (eg, flu or influenza), and challenged communication; and "vaccine priority group" opposition to the term priority group because it meant they could be left out. Healthcare providers reported Goggle and local infectious disease specialists as dominant sources of pandemic information.