Influenza vaccination during the coronavirus pandemic: intention to vaccinate among the at-risk population in the Central Catalonia Health Region (VAGCOVID)

Abstract

Background Influenza is a major public health issue, with the primary preventive measure being an annual influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among the at-risk population is low. Our understanding of the behaviour of the influenza virus during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is limited, meaning influenza vaccination is still recommended for individuals at risk for severe complications due to influenza infection. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal influenza among the at-risk population in the 2020-21 campaign during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to analyse the factors which influence such intention. Methods Cross-sectional telephone survey of adults (aged over 18) with risk factors in central Catalonia where the need for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) was recommended. Results A total of 434 participants responded to the survey, 43.3% of whom intended to be vaccinated against influenza for the 2020-2021 influenza season, 40.8% had no intention to be vaccinated and 15.9% were uncertain or did not express their opinion. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza is associated with having dependents, the individual’s perception of the risk of being infected with influenza and the perceived risk of transmission to dependents. It is also associated with age, whether the individual had received influenza vaccine the previous season or any other season before. The best predictors of the intention to vaccinate are the individual’s perception of the risk of catching influenza and whether the individual had been vaccinated in the previous season. Conclusions Intention to vaccinate can be a good predictor of individual behaviour in relation to vaccination. During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic many individuals are hesitant to influenza vaccination. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage in people included in risk groups, it is necessary to promote educational actions, especially among those who express doubts.

Intention to have the seasonal influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic among eligible adults in the UK: a cross-sectional survey

“…This is consistent with findings from the H1N1 influenza pandemic 7 as well as with findings from studies exploring influenza vaccination intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic in other countries and regions such as Italy 9 10 and Catalonia. 11 It also aligns with the finding that across six countries (USA, Canada, Israel, Japan, Spain, Switzerland) parents' intention to vaccinate their child against seasonal influenza was influenced by their and their child's previous influenza vaccination status. 12 However, there are still key issues to address.…”

Influenza vaccination in coronavirus times: Primary Care professionals’ intention to get vaccinated in Central Catalonia (VAGCOVID). A cross sectional study

“…Compared to a similar study conducted in patients in the same region, health professionals’ intention to get vaccinated is higher than the intention of patients with risk factors 21 although there are a significant number of people who do not have a clear decision in both population groups. Similarly, the only variables associated with the intention to vaccinate that coincide in both professionals and users are the history of vaccination (both in the previous year and on other occasions) and the perception of risk of influenza in the dependents.…”

“…In health workers, the perception of risk of influenza in their dependents also had a great impact in predicting influenza vaccination, in comparison with the study of patients, where we found that the perception of their own risk of influenza was one of the most predictive variables. 21 …”

“…This survey is based on a previous one conducted by Apiñániz et al to study the acceptability of an influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. 20 The survey that has already been used in a recent study on the intention to vaccinate among at-risk population in the same area 21 was considered suitable for this study because compared seasonal influenza and influenza A vaccination and the authors believed that it was suitable for comparing seasonal influenza and coronavirus vaccination.…”

Characteristics of Healthcare Workers Vaccinated against Influenza in the Era of COVID-19

“…This year, for the first time, the government in Italy has provided a free annual seasonal influenza vaccination for people from 60 years of age; therefore, those younger were less likely to be routinely vaccinated. The association between vaccine coverage and age is almost constant among the population in different geographic areas [ 14 , 20 , 21 ]. Moreover, those who did not have a chronic condition had a greater likelihood of having received the vaccine only in the present season compared to HCWs who had been vaccinated in both seasons.…”