Some 48 per cent of GPs in the mid-west were too busy to receive the influenza vaccine in the 2006/2007 influenza season, despite being at a higher risk of getting the flu compared to the general public, newly published figures reveal. The Irish Medical News reports that some 52.4 per cent received the vaccine, which is significantly lower than the WHO target of 75 per cent, particularly for people older than 65 years of age. Of the 164 doctors questioned, 48 per cent did not take the vaccine for various reasons.
Of those who did not get vaccinated, 21 (26.9 per cent) responded “too busy” or “I intended to, but never got around to it”, according to a new study published in Forum. Some highlighted working in a single-handed GP practice as a factor.
