Association of vaccine awareness and confidence on the influenza vaccination status of Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia residents

Abstract

While the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has made seasonal influenza vaccination available for several years, there remains a scarcity of vaccination coverage reports outside of the capital city. Understanding factors that affect vaccine uptake is important in developing strategies to improve coverage. This analytic cross-sectional study utilized data from 1377 adult residents randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure from the three administrative sectors of Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Estimates of influenza vaccine coverage were determined for various demographic groups. Logistic regression was applied to determine the associations among the respondents’ awareness on influenza vaccination services, their confidence on the influenza vaccine efficacy and safety and their vaccination status. The estimated influenza vaccination coverage was 44.15% (95% CI = 41.55; 46.79). The proportion of residents who received the influenza vaccine differed between demographic groups. Al Ahsa residents who were aware that influenza vaccine is available and those who were aware that it is available for free were 2.7 and 6.3 times more likely to be immunized ( p < .001) compared to those who were unaware. Residents who were confident that it is effective in preventing influenza and its complications were 3.6 times more like to be vaccinated while those who were confident that the vaccine is safe were 4.5 times more likely to be immunized ( p < .001). Seasonal influenza coverage in Al Ahsa remains low despite the availability of free immunization in the government health facilities. Awareness about vaccine availability and confidence in vaccine efficacy and safety were important determinants of vaccination status.

The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Immunization in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

“…14 However, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health recommends annual seasonal influenza immunisation for everyone over 50 years old. 8,15 These findings reinforce the notion that the most significant barrier to a lifetime immunisation practice is the lack of knowledge noticed in the elderly. Furthermore, patients underestimate the severity and impact of influenza, making them reluctant to seek a vaccine.…”

“… 14 However, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health recommends annual seasonal influenza immunisation for everyone over 50 years old. 8 , 15 …”

Understanding the Barriers and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Adult General Population: A Rapid Review

“…Sixty-one studies reported perceived barriers to receiving an influenza vaccination in the total population ( Table 4 ) [ 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , …”

“…Barrier types were further assessed to determine the key factors (determined by agreement rate) across the general and unvaccinated population for not receiving an influenza vaccine. The top-five barriers to influenza vaccination, as reported by the total population compared to the unvaccinated population, are illustrated in Figure 3 [ 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , ...…”

The development trend of influenza in China from 2010 to 2019

“… 22 In 2020, after the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, Chinese citizens’ enthusiasm for influenza vaccination was unprecedentedly high. 26 However, the production cycle of influenza vaccines needs at least 5 months, and the validity period is 1 year. It cannot be used across the year, and there is little room for regulation of temporary increase in production.…”