Prevalence of seasonal influenza vaccination among primary healthcare workers in Arar city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundInfluenza outbreaks occur annually and have significant ramifications on the wellbeing of the population. Influenza is given high priority in Saudi Arabia where numerous reports of different types of influenza outbreaks have occurred in recent years.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccination among healthcare providers.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional design, and data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire which was validated by a panel of experts and tested for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha =0.8). All primary healthcare workers in Arar city (Saudi Arabia) were taken as a comprehensive sample between January and March 2018. The questionnaire used a Likert scale that assessed the reasons for embracing or rejecting the influenza vaccines. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn total, 204 health professionals (72 physicians, 102 nurses and 30 other staff members) filled the questionnaire. The mean age of the healthcare professionals was 31.9±8.7 years. Self-report of seasonal influenza vaccination uptake was 55.9% (65.3% for physicians, 55.9% for nurses and 33.3% for other staff). Perceived risk of severity of influenza was 2.5 times more in the compliant group than that of the non-compliant group (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.4–4.4).ConclusionUtilization of influenza vaccine is 55% in both nurses and physicians despite 89% of them being aware of influenza vaccination guidelines and MOH recommendations. It is needed to ensure the intensive education of healthcare providers to understand the protective value of influenza vaccine.

Intention of health care workers to accept COVID-19 vaccination and related factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This finding is confirmed by two meta-analyses [51,59] including studies in Italy, where the prevalence of influenza vaccination among physicians was 23.18% [59], among nurses was 13.47%, and among ancillary workers was 12.52% [51]. Several other studies worldwide confirm the fact that the influenza vaccination coverage among physicians is the highest [54,60,61]. Also, a systematic review [62] with regards to pandemic influenza A vaccine (H1N1) 2009 found that physicians were more likely to accept influenza vaccine and to have a positive attitude toward vaccination.…”

Barriers and beliefs among health-care workers regarding seasonal influenza vaccine in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

“…These reasons differed from those provided in other published articles concerning the SIV in Saudi Arabia. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Non-adherent HCWs appeared not to be aware that the SIV contained various subtypes of the influenza virus (one subtype of influenza B and two subtypes of influenza A); hence, their belief that the SIV was unnecessary if they had previously had influenza. Additionally, despite the high percentage of respondents who considered the SIV to be effective and knew of the health authorities' recommendation, vaccination coverage remained suboptimal.…”

“…There are few studies conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCWs toward vaccine use in Saudi Arabia; however, no study has been conducted in the Qassim region. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Identifying barriers and HCWs' concerns in regard to the SIV is essential to increase their awareness of the vaccine's importance. This study aimed to assess the SIV coverage rate among HCWs as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCWs regarding the SIV.…”

Attitudes amongst Saudi hospital paramedics toward seasonal Influenza and Vaccination

“…150 (67.57 per cent) citizens have been vaccinated against in luenza during the last 1 year, while 72 (32.43 per cent) have not been vaccinated against in luenza [9]. Among the non-vaccinated people, 13 (18 percent) claimed that the in luenza vaccine was unsafe [4], 33 (45 percent) said they did not realize they wanted in luenza vaccination, 17 (23.6 percent) said it was not accessible in their hospital, and 9 (12.5 percent) said they felt they might get sick if they got in luenza vaccination. 38 (17.12 percent) disagreed when asked whether 147 (66.22 percent) agreed on whether they felt the in luenza vaccine was safe [3], while 37 (16.67 percent) were unsure.…”

“…Hospitals offer a perfect atmosphere for the fastspreading of in luenza and health care workers (HCWs) serve as a signi icant vector for the spread of in luenza within hospitals [1][2][3]. Similarly, the lack of working days and the disruption of health services [4,5] was blamed for in luenza. HCWs are an important target for in luenza immunization [6] because of their ability as vectors.…”