Prevalence and Predictors of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Saudi Arabia Post COVID-19: A Web-Based Online Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In the fall of 2022, the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in Saudi Arabia had significantly increased compared with the corresponding period in previous years. Concerns regarding the population’s seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake rates have emerged. In particular, the SIV uptake rates may have dropped post the COVID-19 pandemic compared with rates prior to the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia post the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey platform. We mainly collected sociodemographic information and determined whether the respondent was a healthcare professional or had a chronic disease. The overall SIV uptake prevalence was 31.8%. A lower SIV uptake was observed among those aged 55 years or older, females, residents of the central region, non-health practitioners, and those without chronic diseases. Several factors were associated with SIV uptake. Those aged 35–44 were over three-fold more likely to receive an SIV than those aged 55 years or older (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.33–10.05). In addition, males had 73% higher odds of SIV uptake than females (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18–2.55). Health practitioners were more likely to receive an SIV than non-health practitioners (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.45–3.06). Similarly, those with chronic diseases had 86% higher odds of SIV uptake than those without chronic diseases (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.18–2.95). These findings can provide insights into the low prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should be conducted to further explore the potential factors associated with such a low prevalence of SIV uptake post COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

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“…The relatively lower influenza vaccination uptake compared to earlier years may have contributed to a higher burden of SARIs [24] .…”

Strategic Optimization of Influenza Vaccine Allocation: A Case Study of Age-Specific Approaches in Saudi Arabia

“…In Saudi Arabia, health authorities provide seasonal influenza vaccines (SIV) to all residents, including non-citizens, at no cost. Due to a significant rise in influenza cases and influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has encouraged the public to get vaccinated at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) [22]. The MOH has noted a substantial increase in the number of influenza cases and ILIs in the 2022 flu season compared to previous years, suggesting an increased strain on the Kingdom's healthcare system [42].…”

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