Adult Immunization: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices—DeKalb and Fulton Counties, Georgia, 1988

VACCINE-PREVENTABLE diseases are a major problem in adults.¹ In particular, influenza and pneumococcal disease account for approximately 60,000 deaths each year among persons greater than or equal to 65 years of age. Many of these deaths could be prevented through appropriate vaccination, but most adults are not immunized.¹

In July 1988, the DeKalb County Board of Health, Fulton County Health Department, Georgia Department of Human Resources, and CDC surveyed persons greater than or equal to 65 years of age who lived in DeKalb and Fulton counties, Georgia. This survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza and pneumococcal immunizations. Interviews were conducted by telephone or in person using the same questionnaire¹ DeKalb and Fulton counties, respectively, 13 and 50 housing communities for older adults who lived independently were identified. Seven communities (five in DeKalb County and two in Fulton County) participated in the in-person interviews. For all