Abstract
Abstract Background Surveys to determine the uptake of influenza vaccine (IV) among the at-risk groups are required to evaluate the advancement of national vaccination strategies and the level of awareness in the surveyed population. In this context, the present study aimed to estimate influenza vaccination uptake in elderly in Tunisia during 2018-2019 influenza season and to assess their perceptions toward influenza and IV. Methods It was a national cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in primary and secondary health care facilities, among persons aged 60 years and over with chronic disease. Data were collected using a standard administered questionnaire including questions about IV uptake, general knowledge and attitudes about influenza and IV. Perceptions of participants toward general statements about influenza and IV were compared by vaccination status using chi square test. Results In total, 1191 older persons were included. Nearly one third of participants (34.8% [32.2-37.6]) were vaccinated at least once at the past and 19.4% [17.1-21.9] received the vaccine during 2018-2019 influenza season. Compared to unvaccinated elderly, vaccinated persons were significantly more convinced that influenza is more dangerous for elderly people (90.0% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.008), that IV is recommended for older persons (88.7% vs. 70.1%, p < 0.001) and for those with chronic disease (86.1% vs. 64.1%, p < 0.001) and that IV can protect elderly persons (87.9% vs. 71.9%, p < 0.001) and those with chronic disease (88.3% vs. 66.3%, p < 0.001). Regarding attitude about the safety of the vaccine, while 14.4% of unvaccinated persons agreed that IV is not safe for older persons, only 9.5% of vaccinated elderly approved that statement (p = 0.060). Conclusions Our study showed a low influenza vaccination rate among Tunisian elderly. In order to promote IV, campaigns should focus on educating elderly regarding the seriousness of influenza and the efficiency and the safety of IV. Key messages Efforts must be invested to improve influenza vaccination coverage among Tunisian elderly especially those with chronic diseases. Educating elderly regarding influenza and IV is necessary since knowledge is a basis for adopting relevant attitudes and practices.
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