Acceptance Of Influenza Vaccination Research Articles

Evaluating Families' Opinions of Routine Influenza Vaccination in Children Under 5 Years of Age in Spain.

Influenza vaccination is the main method for preventing influenza. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the opinions of families on influenza vaccination and to determine the acceptance of influenza vaccination as a routine vaccine in children under 5 years of age. The method used was a descriptive cross-sectional study based on an ad-hoc survey. Between October 2023 and January 2024, an online survey was conducted among families with children between 6 months and 14 years of age attending paediatric consultations at a health centre. A total of 388 families were surveyed. Out of these, 22.68% reported having ever vaccinated their children against influenza. The main reason for having them vaccinated was having received the recommendation from the paediatrician (68.18%). While 53.61% agreed with routine influenza vaccination, 53.09% did not intend to vaccinate their children against influenza in the 2023/24 period. The reasons for not vaccinating in 2023/24 were unawareness of the disease (29.41%), fear of unwanted effects of vaccination (27.94%) and lack of information about vaccination (19.61%). The reasons for vaccination in 2023/24 were protection of the child (81.87%), recommendation by the paediatrician (43.41%) and protection of the general population and susceptible persons (20.33%). Routine influenza vaccination is accepted by half of the parents. A lack of risk perception of the disease, concern about vaccine safety and lack of information are the main reasons for not vaccinating. It is essential to follow the health professionals' recommendation to vaccinate.

Vaccine Acceptance Among Pregnant Women in Israel During COVID-19: Influences and Decision-Making Factors.

Background and Objectives: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel prioritized pregnant women for vaccination, recognizing them as a high-risk group. This study aims to explore factors influencing the acceptance of Influenza, Pertussis (T-dap), and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women, focusing on attitudes, social norms, perceived control, and risk perceptions. Additionally, the study compares acceptance patterns between traditional vaccines and the newer COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted between December 2019 and December 2021 involving 449 predominantly Israeli pregnant women. A survey was administered to gather data on demographics, obstetric history, vaccination history, and factors influencing vaccination decisions. Results: COVID-19 vaccine uptake was the highest at 64% (202/314), followed by T-dap at 49% (221/449) and Influenza at 32% (146/449). Multivariable logistic regression showed that non-religious women and those with academic education were more likely to accept vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine. Physician recommendations were the most influential factor in vaccine acceptance, while internet and media sources played a significant role in shaping COVID-19 vaccine decisions. Perceived risks varied: Whooping Cough was seen as the greatest threat to newborns, while COVID-19 posed the highest risk to mothers. Analyzing maternal and neonatal disease perception using multivariable linear regression, we found that information on maternal and neonatal Flu, Whooping Cough, and COVID-19 was significantly positively correlated with disease perception for each condition. Conclusions: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in influencing vaccine decisions, especially through personalized communication. Strategies targeting religious communities and leveraging media can help address vaccine hesitancy, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Association Between Sociodemographic Factors and Vaccine Acceptance for Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

The imperative arises to study the impact of socioeconomic factors on the acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines amid changes in immunization policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance targeted public health strategies and improve age-specific policies based on identified risk factors, this study investigated the associations between sociodemographic factors and vaccination behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphasis on age-specific vaccine cost policies. This study analyzed data from the Korean Community Health Survey 2019-2022 with 507,964 participants to investigate the impact of age-specific policies on vaccination behaviors during the pandemic period. Cohorts aged 19-64 years and 65 years or older were stratified based on age (years), sociodemographic factors, and health indicators. The cohorts were investigated to assess the influence of relevant risk factors on vaccine acceptance under the pandemic by using weighted odds ratio and ratio of odds ratio (ROR). Among 507,964 participants, the acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (COVID-19 vaccine) was higher among individuals with factors possibly indicating higher socioeconomic status, such as higher education level (age 19-64 years: ROR 1.34; 95% CI 1.27-1.40 and age ≥65 years: ROR 1.19; 95% CI 1.01-1.41) and higher income (age 19-64 years: ROR 1.67; 95% CI 1.58-1.76 and age ≥65 years: ROR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.38) for both age cohorts compared to influenza vaccine acceptance before the pandemic. In the context of influenza vaccination during the pandemic, the older cohort exhibited vaccine hesitancy associated with health care mobility factors such as lower general health status (ROR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.97). SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategies should focus on reducing hesitancy among individuals with lower social participation. To improve influenza vaccine acceptance during the pandemic, strategies for the younger cohort should focus on individuals with lower social participation, while efforts for the older cohort should prioritize individuals with limited access to health care services.

Active offer of influenza vaccination during hospitalization: a multicenter study in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Background Every cold season, the Italian health institutions strongly recommend influenza vaccination for categories at risk of complications, however influenza vaccination coverage is over and over far from the desirable target of 95%. After the pilot experience conducted in Palermo during the 2022-23 influenza season, the ‘Vaccinations in the ward’ project was extended to other Sicilian centers in order to evaluate the impact of the vaccination offer strategy in a broader territorial reality and to analyze the determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance among at risk people. Methods The project was conducted at the Umberto I Hospital in Enna and the University Hospitals of Messina and Palermo during the 2023-24 influenza season. A questionnaire was administered to the at risk hospitalized patients to investigate socio-demographic factors, behavioral habits, and clinical condition. Furthermore, influenza vaccination upon discharge was offered. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance. Results Overall, 374 patients with a median age of 65 years (IQR: 50-70) were recruited, of whom 36% had been vaccinated for influenza during the 2022-23 season (n = 136). The patients who accepted influenza vaccination in the ward were 57% (n = 214). The determinants of vaccination adherence were: age (OR: 1.03; p = 0.003); having quit smoking (OR: 2.68; p = 0.017); having received advice on vaccination from general practitioner (OR: 4.9; p < 0.001) and hospital healthcare workers (OR: 7.3; p < 0.001). Conclusions The offer of vaccination in the ward effectively increased influenza coverage among categories at risk of complications. Furthermore, the adoption of correct behavioral habits and the promotion of influenza vaccination by healthcare personnel have played a decisive role in the vaccine acceptance process. These findings could be useful for planning future influenza vaccination campaigns targeted to at risk people. Key messages • Vaccination strategies are needed to increase influenza coverage among at-risk categories. Active offer of influenza vaccine upon discharge can effectively increase vaccination compliance. • The adoption of correct behavioral habits and the promotion of vaccination by healthcare personnel play a decisive role in the influenza vaccine acceptance process among at risk people.

Analyzing Changes in Attitudes and Behaviors towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Spain’s Adult Population over Three Seasons

Background/Objectives: The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the spotlight on the importance of public health measures and disease prevention. Despite this, the acceptance of influenza vaccination has remained low in most countries (and far from the 75% target set by the World Health Organization). The objective of this study has been to investigate how attitudes and behaviors regarding influenza vaccination in the Spanish adult population have changed over the last three years (from 2021 to 2024) in order to analyze trends in influenza vaccination. Methods: To this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted through 2206 telephone interviews, and the results were compared with those obtained in previous campaigns. Results: The findings indicate a significant decline in overall vaccination intent. Healthcare professionals remain the most influential factor in encouraging vaccination, yet there is a notable increase in the lack of vaccine recommendations, contributing to the decision not to vaccinate. This study also reveals low awareness of the influenza vaccine campaign, emphasizing the need for improved public health communication. Conclusions: To counteract these trends, this study recommends intensifying awareness campaigns, strengthening the role of healthcare providers in vaccine advocacy, and tailoring communication strategies. These efforts are crucial to enhancing vaccination coverage and protecting vulnerable populations against influenza.

Acceptance and uptake of vaccines against tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 among pregnant and postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BackgroundPregnant women, fetuses, and neonates are particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). These VPDs are associated with high morbidity and mortality among expectant mothers and their fetuses and neonates. Vaccination during pregnancy can protect the expectant mother from VPDs to which she may be especially vulnerable while pregnant. In addition, the passive transfer of maternal neutralizing immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) also protects the fetus against congenital infections and may further protect the neonate from infection during the first few months of life. Despite this, coverage of recommended maternal vaccines remains suboptimal globally, especially in resource-constrained settings. Determinants of vaccine acceptance and uptake are frequently understudied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and among specific groups such as pregnant and postpartum women. This proposed systematic review will assess the acceptance and uptake of vaccines against tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 among pregnant and postpartum women in LMICs.MethodsA Boolean search strategy employing common and medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, together with uptake, pregnancy, and postpartum, will be used to search electronic databases for relevant literature published between 2009 and 2024. Only studies conducted in LMICs that investigated determinants of acceptance, hesitancy, and uptake of tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant and postpartum women will be eligible for inclusion in the review. The quality and the risk of bias of all eligible full-text articles will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) critical appraisal tools.DiscussionThis protocol proposes a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to assess the uptake of maternal vaccines and to systematically appraise and quantify determinants of the acceptance and uptake of recommended vaccines during pregnancy and postpartum in LMICs. A better understanding of these factors and how they influence maternal vaccine decision-making will enable public health practitioners as well as global and national policymakers to design more effective interventions as we look towards expanding the scope and reach of maternal immunization programs.

Impact of COVID-19 on vaccine confidence and uptake: A systematic literature review

ABSTRACT During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scheduled vaccinations were postponed, mass vaccination programmes were suspended and opportunities for healthcare workers to administer vaccines ad hoc decreased. The aims of this systematic literature review were to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine confidence, intent and uptake in preexisting routine childhood or adult vaccination programmes, and to identify factors associated with changes in acceptance, intent and uptake of preexisting vaccines. Medline and Embase were searched for studies in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, the USA, and European countries, published between 1 January 2021 and 4 August 2022. A complementary gray literature search was conducted between 11 and 13 October 2022, and supplemented with additional gray research in October 2023. In total, 54 citations were included in the review. Study design and geography were heterogeneous. The number of adults who received or intended to receive an influenza or pneumococcal vaccine was higher during the pandemic than in previous seasons (n = 28 studies). In addition, increased acceptance of adult vaccinations was observed during 2020–21 compared with 2019–20 (n = 12 studies). The rates of childhood vaccinations decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic across several countries (n = 11 studies). Factors associated with changes in intention to receive a vaccination, or uptake of influenza vaccine, included previous vaccination, older age, higher perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, anxiety regarding the pandemic and fear of contracting COVID-19. Acceptance and uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines generally increased after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Caregivers of Hospitalized Children From 2020 Through 2023.

Data on US caregiver perceptions on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccination are limited. We identified trends in and associations with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in caregivers of hospitalized children. Cross-sectional surveys on pediatric COVID-19 disease and vaccine attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs were administered across study years (December 8, 2020-April 5, 2021, November 30, 2021-March 15, 2022, and October 26, 2022-March 15, 2023). English and Spanish-speaking caregivers of hospitalized children ages 6 months to 11 years were included. General vaccine hesitancy was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey. Of 1268 caregivers from diverse backgrounds, one-third vaccinated or intended to vaccinate their child. Half endorsed fear of their child receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and were concerned the vaccine was new. Over time, more believed "the COVID-19 vaccine does not work" and fewer agreed "children who are otherwise healthy can die from COVID-19." Study season (2022-2023), older child age, higher income, child receipt of influenza vaccine, caregiver receipt of COVID-19 vaccine, and not being worried about vaccine novelty were positively associated with child vaccination. Intent to vaccinate was negatively associated with study season (2022-2023), Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines score ≥50, lack of child influenza and caregiver COVID-19 vaccination, lack of fear of their child "getting COVID-19" and being "worried that the COVID-19 vaccine is new." The majority who intended to vaccinate were willing to immunize before discharge. Vaccine novelty and perceived lack of need were associated with refusal. Caregiver COVID-19 and child influenza vaccine acceptance were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The inpatient setting offers the opportunity to improve vaccine uptake.

A qualitative assessment of influenza vaccine uptake among children in Kenya

BackgroundInfluenza is a significant contributor to acute respiratory infections (ARI), and children < 5 years are at increased risk of severe influenza disease. In Kenya the influenza vaccine is not included in the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunization (KEPI). To inform roll-out of a national influenza vaccination program, we implemented an influenza vaccine demonstration project in Nakuru and Mombasa counties in Kenya from 2019 to 2021 and set out to establish factors driving influenza vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among caregivers of children aged 6–23 months. MethodsUsing semi-structured questionnaires, we conducted eight focus group discussions among community members and twelve key informant interviews among healthcare workers to elicit both lay and expert opinions. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted using the World Health Organization’s “3 Cs” model of vaccine hesitancy to determine reasons for acceptance or hesitancy of the influenza vaccine. ResultsThe influenza vaccine was well received among community members and healthcare workers though concerns were raised. Vaccine hesitancy was fuelled by misconceptions about reasons for introducing the vaccine (confidence), perceptions that influenza was not a serious disease (complacency) and administrative fees required at some facilities (convenience). Despite the use of various advocacy, communication and social mobilisation strategies targeted at educating the community on the influenza disease and importance of vaccination, there remained a perception of inadequate reach of the sensitization among some community members. Contextual factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic affected uptake, and parents expressed concern over the growing number of vaccines recommended for children. ConclusionDespite lingering concerns, caregivers had their children vaccinated indicating that vaccine hesitancy exists, even among those who accepted the vaccine for their children. Efforts targeted at increasing confidence in and reducing misconceptions towards vaccines through effective communication strategies, are likely to lead to increased vaccine uptake.

Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania.

This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration. The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations. Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based vaccination availability. Challenges include a lack of patient awareness and understanding of benefits, emphasizing the need for structured pharmacist-patient dialogues. Legal changes, a defined funding mechanism, and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation. The study provides valuable insights into patient perceptions, contributing to discussions on optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in Romania and beyond and recognizing pharmacies' potential in achieving broader vaccination goals.

Enhancing Immunization Uptake for Influenza and Pertussis in Thai Pregnant Women through Educational Sessions

Objective: To describe influenza and pertussis vaccine uptake among pregnant women before and after receiving an educational session. Materials and Methods: An interventional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital and a specialized obstetric hospital in Thailand. In the first phase, the medical records of the non-intervention pregnant women received antenatal care (ANC) at the study sites were reviewed. In the second phase, the pregnant women completed a questionnaire about their knowledge and factors for vaccine acceptance then enrolled into the intervention, received an educational session. The vaccine uptake between phases were compared using chi-square test. Potential factors of vaccine acceptance were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Between May 2019 and July 2020, 785 pregnant women were enrolled with 375 in the non-intervention group and 410 in the intervention group. The median age of the pregnant women was 30 years (IQR of 26 to 34). Influenza vaccine uptake among the non-intervention group was 55.5% compared to 65.6% in the intervention group (p=0.004). The factor for influenza vaccine acceptance was the total number of visits at the ANC clinic at ten times or more (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.84, p=0.03). Pertussis vaccine uptake was 52.8% in the non-intervention group compared to 67.0% in the intervention group (p=0.001). The factor for pertussis vaccine acceptance was receiving ANC at the tertiary care hospital (aOR 6.73, 95% CI 4.42 to 10.27). The most common reasons for not getting the vaccine were the concern of vaccine safety with 25.6% for influenza vaccine and 26.3% for pertussis vaccine. Conclusion: The educational session increased the vaccine uptake for influenza and pertussis in Thai pregnant women. Keywords: Immunization; Influenza; Pertussis; Pregnancy; Education

Acceptability, cost-effectiveness, and capacity of a facility-based seasonal influenza vaccination among high-risk groups: a study protocol in selected tertiary care hospitals of Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, seasonal influenza imposes considerable disease and economic burden, especially for those at high-risk of severe disease. The most successful approach for influenza prevention is the administration of a vaccine. Many poor and middle-income nations, including Bangladesh, do not have a national strategy or program in place for seasonal influenza vaccines, despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) advice to prioritize high-risk populations. Additionally, there is a scarcity of substantial data on the cost-effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination in these countries. The aim of our study is to determine acceptability, health beliefs, barriers, and intention of receiving influenza vaccine among high-risk populations, assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing a facility-based seasonal influenza vaccination programme, and investigate the required capacity for a potential seasonal influenza vaccination programme.MethodsWe will undertake this study following STROBE guidelines. We will conduct the study in inpatient and outpatient departments of three selected tertiary-level hospitals leveraging the ongoing hospital-based influenza surveillance (HBIS) platform. The study population will include the WHO-defined four high-risk groups excluding healthcare workers: children six months to eight years, pregnant women, elderly ≥ 60 years, and adults with chronic diseases. We will collect quantitative data on participants’ acceptability, health beliefs, barriers, and vaccination intentions using the health belief model (HBM) from patients meeting the criteria for high-risk populations attending two public tertiary-level hospitals. In one of the two public tertiary-level hospitals, we will arrange an influenza vaccination campaign before the influenza season, where the vaccine will be offered free of cost to high-risk patients, and in the second hospital, vaccination will not be offered. Both the vaccinated and unvaccinated participants will then be followed-up once a month for one year to record any influenza-like illness, hospitalization, and death. Additional data for objective two will be collected from patients with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) at one public and one private hospital to determine both direct and indirect costs associated with influenza illness. We will estimate the required number of influenza vaccines, safe injections, and total storage volume utilizing secondary data. We will use a deterministic Markov decision-analytic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of facility-based influenza vaccination in Bangladesh.DiscussionThe results of this study will enable the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of Bangladesh to decide what steps to take to develop and implement an influenza vaccination strategy targeting high-risk populations.Trial registrationThe Clinicaltrials.gov registration number is NCT05996549. The registration for the protocol version 2.0 took place in August 2023, with the initial participant being enrolled in March 2022.

Australian healthcare personnel acceptance of the seasonal influenza vaccine: a qualitative exploration

Abstract Aim Australian healthcare personnel (HCP) are a vulnerable, yet essential cohort prioritised for seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). Despite extensive SIV programs, and other health protective behaviours, high levels of influenza exposure contribute to almost 23% of HCP being infected each season. In that context, understanding determinants that maximise SIV uptake among HCP is an important but under-explored area. Subject and methods We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with Australian HCP, primarily those most involved with vaccination procedures, including nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and medical practitioners. The question guide development was based on constructs from the Triandis Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour and an integrative review. All interviews were transcribed verbatim with the application of Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis to identify and explore pertinent themes. Results Six distinct but inter-related themes were associated with HCP seasonal influenza vaccination behaviour. Most significantly, professional responsibility and identity appeared highly associated with positive vaccine intention, followed by vaccination convenience and ease of access. Protection, habit, risk perception, and experience and knowledge were also found to influence HCP decision making around SIV. Vaccination complacency, not hesitancy, was described as impeding the progression of vaccination intention (acceptance) to vaccine behaviours (uptake). Conclusion Findings suggest interventions that foster professional identity, leverage camaraderie and a ‘duty of care’ to protect others may enhance SIV intention. While improved access to SIV in the workplace could promote positive vaccination behaviour, particularly if triggers or nudges are applied to prompt the vaccination habit in the presence of SIV acceptance.

Fear of Needles and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Amongst Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study and Implications for Nursing.

Seasonal influenza remains a challenge in the United Arab Emirates, and vaccination is an important preventive measure. However, fear of needles may be an obstacle in vaccination efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine, in a non-clinical sample obtained from the UAE, how much of an impact fear of needles has on the decision to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. In the period September-December 2022, 372 participants were surveyed on their willingness to be vaccinated, their level of vaccine knowledge, and their level of fear of needles. Logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of fear of needles and vaccine knowledge on the decision to accept the seasonal influenza vaccine. Fear of needles and vaccine knowledge are significant predictors in the decision to receive the vaccine. There were no gender or ethnic differences in fear of needles, but there were differences in the decision to receive the vaccines, with women and non-Arabs being more hesitant. Fear of needles may be an important variable to account for in public policies designed to improve vaccination rates in the UAE. For public health policy in the UAE, this implies that authorities must dedicate efforts to manage fear of needles in the general population. Efforts to address fear of vaccines in the general population must be made with proper training of nurses. Alternatively, authorities may need to seek oral alternatives for the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Seasonal influenza vaccination: Attitudes and practices of healthcare providers in Jordan.

Influenza is associated with significant global morbidity and mortality, with vaccination being the primary preventive strategy. Despite recommendations, influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare providers (HCPs) remains suboptimal, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean. We aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of HCPs in Jordan regarding seasonal influenza vaccination and assess sources of variation thereof. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among a sample of HCPs practicing in Jordan (12/29/2020-04/26/2021). Participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, influenza vaccination history, attitudes, and practices. We used logistic regression to evaluate factors related to vaccine receipt and reasons for non-vaccination. We used proportional odds models to evaluate factors related to HCP recommendations and to compare opinions on influenza vaccination between ever- and never-vaccinated HCPs. Of 305 survey initiates, 206 HCPs (67.5%) comprised the analytic sample. The median age was 35 years; 61.2% were women, and 43.7% were pharmacists. Over half (52.9%) never received an influenza vaccine; however, older age and self-identifying as a physician were associated with higher odds of having ever received the influenza vaccine. The main reasons for non-vaccination were related to the misassessment of risks and benefits. Prior receipt of influenza vaccination was strongly associated with odds of recommending vaccination (or = 10.5; 95% CI = [5.38-20.3]; p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic reportedly enhanced influenza vaccine acceptance among 48.5% of HCPs surveyed. Low influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare providers in Jordan is related to misassessment of risks and benefits. Enhancing attitudes and confidence through tailored education is crucial to overcoming hesitancy and promoting sustained improvements in vaccination attitudes and practices among HCPs in Jordan.

Comparing factors influencing seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance and intentions among Chinese university students residing in China and UK: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT University students, who face an elevated risk of influenza due to close living quarters and frequent social interactions, often exhibit low vaccine uptake rates. This issue is particularly pronounced among Chinese students, who encounter unique barriers related to awareness and access, emphasizing the need for heightened attention to this problem within this demographic. This cross-sectional study conducted in May-June 2022 involved 1,006 participants (404 in the UK, 602 in Mainland China) and aimed to explore and compare the factors influencing influenza vaccine acceptance and intentions between Chinese university students residing in the UK (C-UK) and Mainland China (C-M). The study employed a self-administered questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behavior model. Results revealed that approximately 46.8% of C-UK students received the influenza vaccine in the past year, compared to 32.9% of C-M students. More than half in both groups (C-UK: 54.5%, C-M: 58.1%) had no plans for vaccination in the upcoming year. Knowledge, belief about consequences, and reinforcement significantly influenced previous vaccine acceptance and intention in both student groups. Barriers to vaccination behavior included insufficient knowledge about the influenza vaccine and its accessibility and the distance to the vaccine center. Enablers included the vaccination behavior of individuals within their social circles, motivation to protect others, and concerns regarding difficulties in accessing medical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for evidence-based intervention design, providing evidence for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators working to enhance vaccination rates within this specific demographic.

Influenza vaccine uptake and its determinants among adult population in the Kingdom of Bahrain: a cross-sectional study to identify areas for intervention

PurposeSeasonal influenza epidemics accounted for significant morbidity and mortality loads worldwide despite the availability of a safe vaccine as an efficient tool against severity of the disease. However, the uptake of the latter was sub-optimal. This study aims to identify predictors and barriers related to seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study enrolled 502 individuals attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain for ambulatory care between July and August 2022. The data were collected using an interviews-based questionnaire which included questions on demographic data, knowledge and attitudes and practices toward influenza vaccine. The authors identified the barriers as well as the determinants of the vaccine uptake and its recommendation to others.FindingsThe mean age of participants was 35.07 years (SD = 13.9). Most of the respondents were Bahraini (86.5%) and 53.4 % were females. The results revealed that 34.1% have previous information about the influenza vaccine and 36.9% versus 69.9% are willing to receive the vaccine or advice it to others, respectively. Determinants of vaccine uptake were identified.Originality/valueThis study confirmed a sub-optimal influenza vaccine acceptance in the general community of Bahrain despite a global access in primary care. Health professionals need to be more proactive in mobilizing the community and particularly females toward influenza vaccination.

Impact of Actively Offering Influenza Vaccination to Frail People during Hospitalisation: A Pilot Study in Italy.

Despite the worldwide recommendations for influenza immunisation, vaccination coverage for patients exposed to the highest risk of severe complications is still far from the optimal target. The need to take advantage of alternative methods to provide vaccination is essential. This study presents a hospital-based strategy which offers influenza vaccination to inpatients at discharge. This study was conducted during the 2022-2023 influenza season at the University Hospital of Palermo. A questionnaire was administered to identify the determinants for the acceptance of influenza vaccination in the frail population. Overall, 248 hospitalised patients were enrolled, of which 56.1% were female and 52.0% were over 65 years of age. The proportion of patients vaccinated against influenza during hospitalisation was 62.5%, an increase of 16% in influenza vaccination uptake among frail people in comparison with the previous influenza season (46.8% vaccinated during the 2021-22 influenza season). Factors significantly associated with vaccination acceptance were the following: to have received influenza vaccine advice from hospital healthcare workers (OR = 3.57, p = 0.001), to have been previously vaccinated for influenza (OR = 3.16 p = 0.005), and to have had a low level of education (OR = 3.56, p = 0.014). This study showed that offering influenza vaccination to hospitalised patients could be an effective strategy to increase vaccination coverage in the most vulnerable population, and these findings could be useful for planning and improving future influenza vaccination campaigns.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students under the COVID-19 pandemic in South China.

The control measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had influenced the activity of the influenza virus, and we were wondering the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students were having at the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online questionnaire survey of the college students was conducted and the data was collected anonymously, cross-sectional study were used to describe the distribution of the KAP. There were 815 respondents in our study. Most participants have a high recognition of the effectiveness and safety of the influenza vaccine. However, a low awareness rate of influenza vaccine knowledge and vaccination rate (18%) against influenza was observed among college students. The education level and major would have a higher weight on the influence of KAP among the college students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the sex (OR = 2.163, p < .001), age (OR = 2.242, p < .001), heard of the influenza vaccine (OR = 2.655, p = .014), and "How necessary do you think vaccinating every year is?" (OR = 3.947, p < .001) of the college students were the main factors that affect the KAP on influenza vaccination. Our study provided an insight into the KAP of influenza vaccine among college students in South China. The vaccination rate and acceptability of influenza vaccine in college students are higher than that in the whole population.

Acceptance of Routine Vaccines in Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to evaluate the rates of vaccination against infectious diseases (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis [Tdap] and influenza) in pregnancy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared to contemporary historical controls. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing rates of Tdap and influenza vaccination in pregnant people who received care at NYU Langone Health and delivered from September 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021 ("COVID cohort") to the same period the prior year ("2019 cohort"). Demographic information, trimester of initiation of prenatal care, insurance status, and medical comorbidities were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistic regression, with significance of p < 0.05. In total, 1,713 pregnant people were included. Compared to historical controls, the COVID cohort differed in age, race, timing of initiation of prenatal care, insurance status, and medical comorbidities. After adjusting for these covariates, pregnant people were significantly more likely to accept influenza vaccine in the COVID cohort (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-2.29) and had similar Tdap acceptance (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 0.99-2.17). However, this trend was not observed for the entire obstetric population; public insurance status and medical comorbidities were associated with lower vaccine rates during the pandemic. For those who had public insurance, rates of influenza vaccination decreased from 83% in 2019 to 40% during COVID (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.10-0.24) and for Tdap rates decreased from 93 to 54% (aOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.08-0.21). During the COVID-19 pandemic era, pregnant people at large were more likely to accept the influenza vaccine. However, this trend did not apply to Tdap, and high-risk groups with public insurance and medical comorbidities. This study highlights potential disparities in vaccination rates, which need to be accounted for when evaluating national vaccine trends. These data support increased efforts in vaccine counseling for high-risk populations. · Antenatal flu vaccination increased during the pandemic.. · Antenatal Tdap vaccination was unchanged during the pandemic.. · High-risk pregnant patients had decreased vaccine uptake.. · High-risk subgroups were not included in overarching vaccination trends..