چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:In many European countries, vaccinations are offered to the elderly. Expanding the programme to
include routine vaccination against pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and pertussis, for example, could reduce
disease burden amongst the growing population of persons aged 50 years and older. Since most countries involve
general practitioners (GPs) in the programmes, the potential success of such new vaccinations depends on the
attitude of GPs towards these vaccinations.This qualitative study explores Dutch GPs’ attitudes regarding vaccination in
general, and their attitudes regarding the incorporation of additional vaccines in the current Dutch influenza vaccination
programme.
Methods:Interviews were held with ten Dutch GPs (five men and five women) that worked either in an academic
hospital, in a practice based in a health center, or in individualpractice. All interviews were recorded with a digital voice
recorder and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed according to thematic analysis.
Results:GPs perceived prevention as part as their job and believed vaccination to be effective for preventing infectious
diseases. However, influenza vaccination was not always perceived as effective. Doubts regarding the usefulness of
additional vaccinations were identified. If additional vaccines would be offered, this should be based on scientific
evidence and the severity of the infectious disease. Selection of patients for vaccination should not be based solely on
age, but more on risk factors. The GP should be the centralpoint of contact for new vaccination campaigns; however,
high workload was seen as a concern. Several GPs questioned their ability to refuse to distribute the vaccinations.
Conclusions:A positive attitude towards implementing additional vaccinations is not apparent. Achieving the most
health benefits seems to be the most important consideration of Dutch GPs regarding vaccinating older adults.
Questions regarding the usefulness of vaccinating older adults should be taken into consideration. More research is
necessary to confirm the results among a wider range of Dutch GPs.