Vaccinations against respiratory infections in Arabian Gulf countries: Barriers and motivators

Abstract

AIMTo study the uptake, barriers and motivators of influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis vaccines among members of public in Arabian Gulf countries.METHODSA cross-sectional survey among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ residents. Data collected electronically through a smartphone app. The survey variables aimed to investigate the respondents’ awareness about vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis infections. Collected data concerning the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, their perception toward vaccine uptake and the factors that motivate or demotivate them from taking influenza vaccine. The data were analysed statistically using the SPSS v.23.0. Differences in the characteristics of users from different countries were quantified through bivariate analysis. Other important variables and controlling factors were studied using logistic regression.RESULTSA total of 1812 respondents participated in the study. Their mean age was 27 years, 82% were male and 24% had ≥ 1 chronic diseases. The overall uptake of influenza vaccine was 17% (21% among “at risk” people) and ranged from 15% in Saudi Arabia to 24% in Qatar. Doctor’s advice (23%) and a perception of having low body immunity (21%) were the main cited reasons for being vaccinated, whereas unawareness about the vaccine (43%) was the main barrier. The overall uptake of pneumococcal vaccine in the preceding three years was 22% (25% among “at risk” individuals) and ranged from 0% in Bahrain to 79% in Kuwait. The overall uptake of pertussis vaccine was 16% (31% among “vulnerable” people), and ranged from 7% in Saudi Arabia to 75% in Oman. The overall uptake of meningococcal vaccine was 20% (29% among the “at risk” people) and ranged from 3% in Oman to 50% in Bahrain.CONCLUSIONThe vaccination uptake across GCC countries is suboptimal and varies widely across the countries. Further research is needed to unearth the reasons and formulate action plan.

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The results from this study found an overall vaccination rate of 12.6%. This vaccination rate is lower than the previous findings published among the general public, the military, pregnant women, and healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia; however, this study most closely resembles a recent study by Alqahtani et al in terms of study design, sample size, and vaccination rates [ 31 ]. An inoculation rate of 15% was reported in their cross-sectional survey among a sample of 1105 residents of Saudi Arabia.…”

Prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptake in Saudi type 2 diabetic individuals

“…Studies show that the average vaccine uptake for a Saudi Arabian is 15%, which is lower than that of other Gulf countries such as Qatar, whose rate is 24%. [12] However, people who were at a higher risk of getting these diseases had a pneumococcal vaccine uptake of 25%. [12]…”

“…[12] However, people who were at a higher risk of getting these diseases had a pneumococcal vaccine uptake of 25%. [12]…”

Meningococcal Vaccine for Hajj Pilgrims: Compliance, Predictors, and Barriers

“…Previous reports on uptake of other recommended vaccines at Hajj also indicated that receiving pre-travel health advice was a considerable motivator for receiving vaccinations against other diseases [14,23]. Furthermore, in a large survey among residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, doctors' advice was the leading motivator for receipt of influenza vaccine [24]. Worksite immunization was shown to be effective in facilitating influenza vaccine uptake in Saudi Arabia [25].…”