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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the likelihood of having the seasonal influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals who were eligible to receive it.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey in July 2020. We included predictors informed by previous research, in the following categories: sociodemographic variables; uptake of influenza vaccine last winter and beliefs about vaccination.Participants570 participants (mean age: 53.07; 56.3% female, 87.0% white) who were eligible for the free seasonal influenza vaccination in the UK.Results59.7% of our sample indicated they were likely to have the seasonal influenza vaccination, 22.1% reported being unlikely to have the vaccination and 18.2% were unsure. We used logistic regression to investigate variables associated with intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine in the 2020–2021 season. A positive attitude to vaccination in general predicted intention to have the influenza vaccine in 2020–2021 (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.77, p<0.001) but the strongest predictor of intention was previous influenza vaccination behaviour (OR 278.58, 95% CI 78.04 to 994.46, p<0.001).ConclusionsPrevious research suggests that increasing uptake of the influenza vaccination may help contain a COVID-19 outbreak, so steps need to be taken to convert intention into behaviour and to reach those individuals who reported being unlikely or unsure about having the vaccine.

A comparison of seasonal influenza and novel Covid-19 vaccine intentions: A cross-sectional survey of vaccine hesitant adults in England during the 2020 pandemic

“…Previous vaccination behavior, favorable attitudes toward vaccination, perceived benefits from vaccination, trust in authorities associated with vaccine approval, perceived regret from not having accepted the vaccine and infecting others, as well as the belief that significant others around them expect them to accept a COVID-19 and influenza vaccine were identified as factors predicting vaccination intention for both vaccines. These findings are in line with similar research on vaccine intention for influenza 27 , 45 , 65 and for COVID-19. 34 , 59 , 66 , 67 …”

“…Other studies have also found concerns about adverse effects and vaccine novelty to be associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention. 45 , 53 Area deprivation as a predictor of intention aligns with previous work showing lower levels of actual vaccination in more deprived areas, 54 , 55 which has been linked to lower levels of trust in government and public health authorities. 55 In our analysis, socio-economic status and trust were both independently associated with vaccination intention, suggesting that the influence of socio-economic status extends beyond its association with trust.…”

“…With the ongoing circulation of new variants, this suggests that repeated vaccination for COVID-19 will likely be necessary. The parallels with seasonal influenza vaccination can be drawn to promote vaccination uptake in both the high-risk groups and the general population, 45 , 46 , 54 , 56 , 67 , 74 particularly as there is evidence to suggest that there is a significant decrease in risk of COVID-19 infection after receiving the influenza vaccine. 75 Public health authorities must be vigilant regarding the public’s concerns regarding vaccine effectiveness against new variants and the modification of existing vaccines, as these factors can undermine trust in vaccines.…”

“…The items included in the questionnaire were developed based on prior studies. 12–33 – 45–48 All psychological constructs were drawn from the extended TPB and the HBM and novel constructs that emerged from the pandemic, inclusive of anticipated regret of not being vaccinated, vaccine knowledge, and past influenza vaccine behavior. The questionnaire consisted of the three sections: (1) COVID-19 and influenza vaccination-related attitudes and intentions captured using belief-based statements; (2) health-related behaviors; and (3) socio-demographics and socio-economic characteristics.…”

Awareness, knowledge and attitude toward influenza vaccination in several population groups in China: A cross-sectional study

“…In line with previous evidence ( 28 , 29 ), vaccination history in former seasons is conducive to future seasons. This hints to administrative departments to take action before it is too late.…”