Barriers to and drivers of vaccination – insights and recommended actions: targeting influenza vaccination among older adults and care home residents in Estonia

Overview

Despite efforts to increase influenza vaccination rates in Estonia, barriers persist, leading to suboptimal coverage, especially among vulnerable populations. A 2024 study identified barriers and drivers influencing vaccination uptake among individuals aged 60 and older in the community and care homes. Health workers were knowledgeable about and motivated to recommend vaccination but faced challenges like vaccine shortages, lack of personnel, logistical difficulties and limited training time. Unvaccinated older adults had varying knowledge levels about influenza and vaccination, with some relying on healthy lifestyles or natural remedies and expressing safety concerns. They did not see access as a barrier but were unsure about health worker recommendations. In care homes, nurses were critical in organizing vaccinations but faced staff shortages, time-consuming consent processes and occasional vaccine hesitancy from residents’ relatives. Relatives expressed concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness and found the consent process burdensome. An intervention plan was developed focusing on training health workers, raising awareness and facilitating convenient access to vaccination for older adults in the community and care homes