The theme of my thesis is the issue of the new strain of influenza A (H1N1 Pandemic 2009) and the associated awareness of vaccination amongst the elderly. The work is divided into two parts, a theoretical and practical part. In the theoretical part, I tried to comprehensively process the available knowledge on the origins, epidemiology and prevention of influenza with particular emphasis on vaccination, oriented towards the elderly. The practical part is focused on mapping the awareness of the elderly of the issue of vaccination against influenza and analysis of results from a research exploratory investigation. The data acquisition method I used was quantitatively oriented research using anonymus questionnaires. Altogether, I distribued 350 questionnaires; the final number for data processing was 191 questionnaires. In connection with the work I set four hypotheses: 1) More than a third of respondents were vaccinated against the new strain of influenza A (H1N1 Pandemic 2009), 2) The most common reason for not being vaccinated was a lack of information. 3) The size of the place of residence significantly contributes statistically to a sense of awareness of respondents on this issue, 4) More than half of respondents would like to obtain more information on the issue of the new strain of influenza type A (Pandemic H1N1 2009). I confirmed or refuted the formulated the hypotheses based on survey evaluation. The results of the survey showed that most respondents do not feel that they are sufficiently informed about the issue of the new strain of influenza, and therefore discard the use of vaccinations. With this work I would like to stress the importance of information, which can help people consider the risks of influenza and motivate them to be vaccinated. Vaccination is an important means of protection against influenza viruses particulary for high-risk groups including the elderly. For this reason I consider the dissemination of information as very important and I hope that my thesis also serves this purpose.

This master thesis is focused on decreasing levels of vaccination as a new health risk. In recent years it has become a new trend that we can observe in European countries. Low vaccination levels amongst population are one of the reasons for new epidemics or pandemics happening. When immunization rises above 95 % then a collective immunization comes into effect. Collective immunization lowers the chances of diseases spreading. For this reason, World health organization supports immunization and tries to make immunization affordable reachable for everyone everywhere. This these analyses measles which can be stopped by vaccinating the population. Therefore, the World health organization prepares strategic plans aimed at eradication of this disease. Each member state has a task to apply these plans in their specific environment. This thesis focuses on the Czech Republic and its implementation of strategic plans happening 2005-2010 and 2011-2020. This thesis is structured into 5 chapters focused on theory of international relations, hesitancy to vaccinate, strategic plans of World health organization and the Czech Republic.