What determines influenza vaccination take-up of elderly Europeans?

Health Econ. 2011 Nov;20(11):1281-97. doi: 10.1002/hec.1672. Epub 2010 Oct 14.

Abstract

We analyse the determinants of influenza vaccination take-up of Europeans above the age of 50 years using the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement (SHARE). Using quality-of-care indicators, special emphasis is put on the measurement and the impact of physician quality. We find that age, health status, lifestyle, labour-force status, and the family structure are important determinants of the decision to get a flu shot. Physician quality, as measured by four indicators, also positively affects the probability of getting a flu shot.

Keywords: health behaviour; influenza vaccination; labour supply; physician quality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Comorbidity
  • Employment
  • Europe
  • General Practitioners / standards*
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Life Style
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / standards*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality Indicators, Health Care
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines