Influenza vaccination coverage rates in Europe--covering five consecutive seasons (2001-2006) in five countries.

Objective: To understand potential drivers and barriers to influenza vaccination in the general population.

Methods: 47 982 household surveys were conducted in five European countries between 2001 and 2006.

Results: Overall influenza vaccination coverage increased over the years and reached 26.2% in 2005/06. Among the elderly > or =65 years, the rate increased significantly to 67.8% (2005/06). The most common reason for being vaccinated over the 5 years was the perception of influenza as a serious illness, which people want to avoid. The main reason for not getting vaccinated among those never previously vaccinated was feeling that they were unlikely to catch influenza. A recommendation by the family physician was the most encouraging factor for vaccination.