Immunogenicity and safety of intradermal influenza vaccination in healthy older adults.

Background: Influenza vaccine immunogenicity is suboptimal in older persons. Intradermal (ID) vaccination may be a promising alternative to intramuscular (IM) vaccination.

Methods: This randomized trial compared the immunogenicity of 60% dose ID influenza vaccination to standard IM vaccination of full-dose or 60% dose vaccine.

Influenza vaccination rates of children in households with high-risk adults.

Objectives: Household contacts of people at high risk for influenza complications should receive yearly influenza vaccination to reduce potential viral transmission. We evaluated influenza vaccine coverage among children to determine whether or not living with a high-risk adult predicts the likelihood of being vaccinated.

Methods: Using the 2006 National Health Interview Survey, we examined influenza vaccination rates among children (aged 1-17 years) who did and did not reside in a household with an adult at high risk for influenza-related complications.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in older veterans: results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

Objectives: To compare influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates of older veterans with those of nonveterans and to compare vaccination rates of veterans who receive care at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers with those of veterans who do not.

Characteristics and outcomes of older adults with community-acquired pneumococcal bacteremia.

Objectives: To describe baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of older adults with pneumococcal bacteremia, compare the frequency of serious outcomes according to pneumococcal vaccination status, and assess factors associated with mortality.

Design: Population-based case-series.

Setting: Group Health Cooperative, a health maintenance organization in Washington State.

The association of sociodemographic factors and patient attitudes on influenza vaccination rates in older persons.

Background: To determine how patient attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and sociodemographic characteristics relate to influenza vaccine acceptance in an older patient population.

Methods: We conducted a mail survey of patients enrolled in a geriatrics clinic at a university-affiliated county hospital in Seattle, WA. We surveyed senior citizens' demographic background, health status, previous experiences, and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccine.