Determining factors for revaccination with pneumococcal vaccine for the elderly in the latter-stage of life in Shiga Prefecture in Japan

Background: Since the 1980s in Japan, pneumonia has been the fourth leading cause of death among elders (65+). Pneumococcal vaccine was introduced in 1988 but it has not been well-known until 2001. Shiga Prefecture Extended Association for the Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter-Stage which provides national medical insurance plan for older adults (75+), implemented a subsidizing project for pneumococcal vaccination for their assured members in 2010. The vaccinees are supposed to receive the next one in five years. Causes of getting vaccinated and satisfaction are assumed to be determining factors for revaccination. Aims: Questions are asked to identify the factors and satisfaction level. Methods: A questionnaire was sent in February, 2011 to 572 older adults who were vaccinated from July to October, 2010 in eight medical facilities in Shiga Prefecture. Results: 455 responded. Recommendations of doctors were identified as major cause of receiving vaccination, although not a few think it prevents influenza or common cold. Side reactions were led in 34 people and only two found severe pain with swelling and reddening. About the copayment, 207 people felt reasonable or cheap and 129 people said expensive. Four people stated no for revaccination but none of them got side reaction. One of them who is 92-year-old mentioned that he was hospitalized with pneumonia after the vaccination. Conclusion: Many of the vaccinees are satisfied and many agree for revaccination even though there were side reaction cases and misconceptions, which might be caused by inadequate explanations by their doctors.