The Taming of the Flu – Spatial patterns of influenza-like illness and the challenges and opportunities in immunisation on a city level

This study found high spatial variability of vaccinated and sick individuals. Main barriers towards an influenza vaccination seem to be false ideas about the vaccination, how the immune system works and many feel the flu is not dangerous enough to vaccinate against it. Putting disease incidences into a spatial context contributes to the understanding of transmission paths of influenza within urban populations. This study also filled many gaps concerning estimations on the prevalence of influenza-like illnesses and vaccination behaviour of the adult population in an urban context.