Using the Health Belief Model to improve influenza vaccination rates

Abstract

Vaccination rates for influenza are lower than expected each year in the United States. Multiple factors contribute to low vaccination rates, including poor access to healthcare, lack of insurance, and patient perception of risk and benefit. A better working understanding of the Health Belief Model can help clinicians understand the psychologic factors that contribute to low vaccination rates and help clinicians improve patient understanding and uptake of the influenza vaccine.