Attitudes, Perceptions and Practices of Influenza Vaccination in the Adult Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Spain

Abstract

In Spain, the 2021/22 influenza season overlapped with the sixth wave of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Influenza is a major public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practices of influenza vaccination in the Spanish population, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, with special attention paid to people over 65 years of age. A cross-sectional study was carried out by conducting 2211 telephone interviews. It was observed that 81.6% of people ≥ 65 years were vaccinated annually or with some frequency compared to 35.5% of those under 65 years (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of Spaniards showed an intention to be vaccinated in the 2021/22 campaign, during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. In the case of people ≥ 65 years old, this figure was 83% compared to 42% of those under 65 years old (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of intention to be vaccinated were age of 65 years or older (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.5), female sex (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4), belonging to risk groups (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6–3.1) and having been previously vaccinated (OR 29.7, 95% CI 22.5–39.2). The main reasons for deciding to be vaccinated were the need to be protected against the virus and to be vaccinated annually. On the other hand, lack of recommendation and considering the influenza vaccine as not necessary were the main reasons for not getting vaccinated. In addition, health personnel stood out as the main source of information (32.9%) compared to traditional media (26.9%) and public administration (12.3%). This study aimed to assess and analyse the factors influencing willingness to receive influenza vaccines in the COVID-19 era among Spanish adults, as well as the main information channels and strategies to encourage vaccination.

Acceptance of influenza vaccination and associated factors among teachers in China: A cross-sectional study based on health belief model

“…This study found that people who had been vaccinated before were 2.981 times more likely to accept influenza vaccination than those who had not been received influenza vaccine before. The result were in line with previous studies in different populations, such older people, 38 , 39 HCWs, 40 , 41 children’s guardians, 42 etc. It was possible that those who had received the influenza vaccine were more likely to trust the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, making them more willing to receive it again.…”

Midwives’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women: A Nationwide Web-Based Survey in Italy

“…This value was higher than the 37.5% in a sample of midwives in France [ 20 ]. As indicated in other surveys, a HCW’s recommendation has been shown to be one of the main factors influencing individual’s perceptions and practices about vaccinations [ 14 , 34 , 35 , 36 ] and the lack of a recommendation is often a reason for not being immunized [ 14 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Understanding the barriers is necessary for developing interventions that could increase the vaccination coverage.…”

Physicians' Perspectives on Vaccinations

“…In another study it was shown that 79.9% of Healthcare Personnel (HCP) in the United States reported having received an influenza vaccination during the 2021-22 season, which was similar to the account of 75.9% during the 2020-21 season. Moreover, vaccination coverage against influenza was found to be lower among nurses (87.8%), compared to physicians (96.8%) [8].…”

“…Moreover, nearly 40% of the unvaccinated said that they had not been vaccinated due to a lack of recommendation or prescription [17]. Considering the role of physicians in vaccinations, these statistics call for actions aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy and identifying the sources of misinformation regarding vaccines, as well as combating them [18].…”