Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Influenza Vaccination among Older Adults in Southern China during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Influenza is prevalent globally, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. During the pandemic, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza virus and vaccination were less investigated among southern Chinese older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted through the structured questionnaire among community healthcare centers in selected districts in Shenzhen, southern China from September to October 2021. KAP towards influenza virus and vaccination were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. Among 975 participants, 55.6% were reported to have received influenza vaccination ever, and 46.6% had taken influenza vaccination in 2020 during the pandemic. Only one-fifth of participants knew severe comorbidities happen among severe influenza cases. A total of 88.3% thought older adults should have influenza vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination history was associated with receiving influenza vaccination (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.32–2.80). People with a high-level income had better KAP towards influenza virus and vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination history was associated with the positive actions of influenza vaccination during the pandemic. Efforts should be made to promote the free influenza vaccination program widely and launch health education events on influenza and its vaccination regularly to improve KAP among older adults.

Analysis of Attitudes and Practices towards the Influenza Vaccine in High-Risk Adults in Poland

“…This was particularly evident among older individuals who belong to a high-risk group. The reports contrast with observations from other authors [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], where it was assessed that although the majority of adults under the age of 65 at high risk were familiar with the recommended guidelines for flu vaccination, only 35.8% (95% CI, 32.1–39.5%) were aware of their high-risk status. In our study, it was additionally observed that qualification for the “high-risk group” influences respondents’ attitudes towards getting protective vaccinations, as individuals above 65 years old in the high-risk group had a more positive attitude towards getting flu vaccinations compared to respondents in the same age range who were not at risk.…”

Analysis of Attitudes and Practices towards the Influenza Vaccine in High-Risk Adults in Poland

“…This was particularly evident among older individuals who belong to a high-risk group. The reports contrast with observations from other authors [17][18][19], where it was assessed that although the majority of adults under the age of 65 at high risk were familiar with the recommended guidelines for flu vaccination, only 35.8% (95% CI, 32.1-39.5%) were aware of their high-risk status. In our study, it was additionally observed that qualification for the "high-risk group" influences respondents' attitudes towards getting protective vaccinations, as individuals above 65 years old in the high-risk group had a more positive attitude towards getting flu vaccinations compared to respondents in the same age range who were not at risk.…”

Evaluating Influenza Vaccination Practices among COPD Patients

“…The observed deficiency in knowledge regarding influenza and its vaccine is consistent with previous studies conducted in Jordan, particularly among patients with chronic conditions [ 22 ] and asthmatic patients [ 18 ]. Nevertheless, contrasting findings emerge from research conducted in Saudi Arabia [ 23 ], China [ 24 ], and South Africa [ 25 ] which reported a high level of knowledge about influenza and its vaccine. This highlights the need for educational approaches to enhance COPD patients’ understanding of COPD, influenza, and influenza vaccination.…”