ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study investigates how frequent general practitioners (GP) explain the immunological vaccine response to patients and which stylistic means they use. METHOD: Data from a cross-sectional, web-based survey were analyzed. The study population included a representative random sample of 10 % of GPs from North Rhine-Westphalia and all teaching physicians from two universities. The data was evaluated using a multi-method approach with a statistical analysis and a content analysis according to Mayring. RESULTS: The analysis included 187 GPs (69 % males, 56 % ≤50 years). 18.3 % of GPs routinely informed about the vaccine response. In a clinical vignette, 48.7 % used a layperson-oriented language, supported by figures of speech in 11.8 %. The key content categories were: protection against disease (63.6 %), antibody formation (64.2 %), vaccine concept (47.6 %), and potential adverse reactions (4.3 %). CONCLUSION: To improve patients' health literacy, physicians are asked to routinely explain the immunological effects of vaccines.
