Influenza vaccinations for high-risk adult populations : how well is general practice doing?

Background and objective: While influenza vaccine uptake in older Australian adults is fairly high, uptake in younger at-risk adults is suboptimal. The aim of this study was to explore general practice's ability to deliver the national influenza vaccination program in highrisk adult populations. Methods: The study was a qualitative inquiry framed by the Capability-Opportunity- Motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B model) using semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Results: Six general practitioners and eight practice nurses were recruited from diverse locations across Australia. Participants generally reported having the capability, opportunity and motivation to effectively deliver influenza vaccination to high-risk adults. Perceived barriers included time pressures, complexity of patient consultations, difficulty reaching high-risk younger adults, issues related to optimal timing of influenza vaccination, inconsistent vaccine supply and pharmacist involvement in vaccination. Discussion: Making influenza vaccination recommendations a 'whole-of-practice' staff responsibility can address some challenges. Clear and consistent messaging about the importance and optimal timing of influenza vaccination, and a more efficient vaccine supply chain, would support influenza vaccination in general practice.