Abstract
BackgroundIn the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK National Health Service (NHS) extended eligibility for influenza vaccination this season to approximately 32.4 million people (48.8% of the population). Knowing the intended uptake of the vaccine will inform supply and public health messaging to maximize vaccination.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acceptance of influenza vaccination in the 2020-2021 season, specifically focusing on people who were previously eligible but routinely declined vaccination and newly eligible people.MethodsIntention to receive the influenza vaccine in 2020-2021 was asked of all registrants of the largest electronic personal health record in the NHS by a web-based questionnaire on July 31, 2020. Of those who were either newly or previously eligible but had not previously received an influenza vaccination, multivariable logistic regression and network diagrams were used to examine their reasons to undergo or decline vaccination.ResultsAmong 6641 respondents, 945 (14.2%) were previously eligible but were not vaccinated; of these, 536 (56.7%) intended to receive an influenza vaccination in 2020-2021, as did 466 (68.6%) of the newly eligible respondents. Intention to receive the influenza vaccine was associated with increased age, index of multiple deprivation quintile, and considering oneself to be at high risk from COVID-19. Among those who were eligible but not intending to be vaccinated in 2020-2021, 164/543 (30.2%) gave reasons based on misinformation. Of the previously unvaccinated health care workers, 47/96 (49%) stated they would decline vaccination in 2020-2021.ConclusionsIn this sample, COVID-19 has increased acceptance of influenza vaccination in previously eligible but unvaccinated people and has motivated substantial uptake in newly eligible people. This study is essential for informing resource planning and the need for effective messaging campaigns to address negative misconceptions, which is also necessary for COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Highlights
To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to over 100,000 deaths in the United Kingdom alone
The threat of COVID-19 and the associated publicity educating the public about viruses and vaccine development, coupled with recent evidence that coinfection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 doubles mortality compared with infection with SARS-CoV-2 alone [12] and that the influenza vaccination may reduce incidence of life-threatening COVID-19 disease in people aged over 65 years [13], are likely to affect attitudes and the public health imperative of mass uptake
Of the newly eligible participants, when compared with those who had received the vaccine despite being ineligible by National Health Service (NHS) criteria, those who had not received the vaccine were more likely to be younger and in a lower index of multiple deprivation (IMD) quintile (Table S3, Multimedia Appendix 1)
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to over 100,000 deaths in the United Kingdom alone. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) emergency admissions [5] and >4000 hospital beds occupied daily by patients with influenza in 2017-2018 [6,7] For this reason, the NHS has extended its free seasonal influenza vaccination program for the current season to all people aged over 50 years (previously 65 years) and to include the 11-12 years age group (previously 2-10 years) [8]; an estimated 32.4 million people (48.8% of the UK population) are eligible [9]. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK National Health Service (NHS) extended eligibility for influenza vaccination this season to approximately 32.4 million people (48.8% of the population). Knowing the intended uptake of the vaccine will inform supply and public health messaging to maximize vaccination
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call