Understanding Flu Vaccination in a Competitive Context

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alec Ulasevich ◽  
Samantha Jacobs ◽  
Djass Mbangdadji ◽  
Max van Over ◽  
Lani Steffens
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Preventable Hospitalizations ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Lower Likelihood ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine

The flu causes a significant number of largely vaccine-preventable hospitalizations and deaths each year. Previous studies show that efficacy beliefs about other flu prevention strategies may be barriers to flu vaccine uptake. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and behaviors regarding flu vaccination and other flu prevention strategies and to examine the decision to get a flu vaccine within a competitive context. Two independent surveys were administered in 2013 (general population, n = 1,158) and 2015 (millennial panel, n = 1,574) among adults in the United States, which generated propensity models to get flu vaccines. Compared to the vaccine, participants considered many strategies to be more effective at preventing seasonal flu, particularly behaviors related to maintaining a strong immune system. Propensity models demonstrate that perceived effectiveness of some alternative “healthy behaviors” in a competitive set were associated with a lower likelihood of vaccine uptake. Results suggest that adults’ engagement in alternative strategies may be at the expense of getting vaccinated. Social marketers should consider competition not just from unhealthy behaviors but from alternative healthy behaviors when designing programs and campaigns to ensure effectiveness of their messages.

scholarly journals The development of a digital intervention to increase influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205520762110121
Author(s):  
Joanne E Parsons ◽  
Katie V Newby ◽  
David P French ◽  
Elizabeth Bailey ◽  
Nadia Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Intervention Mapping ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diverse Area ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
The Uk

Objective Pregnant women and unborn babies are at increased risk of complications from influenza, including pneumonia, yet in the UK, uptake of flu vaccination amongst this population remains <50%. Pregnant women hold beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination that consistently predict them to decline vaccination. This study aimed to develop a theory and evidence-based intervention addressing these beliefs to promote flu vaccine uptake. Methods The intervention was developed by behavioural scientists, pregnant women, midwives, clinicians and Public Health professionals, informed by Intervention Mapping. Six predefined steps were performed in line with Intervention Mapping. Results The intervention is an animation addressing beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination. Preliminary testing using qualitative methodology indicates the information within the animation is appropriate, and the animation is acceptable to pregnant women. Conclusions This is the first known intervention for pregnant women, aiming to increase flu vaccination through addressing risk and efficacy appraisals. It has been implemented within seasonal flu vaccination campaigns during 2018/19 and 2019/20 within one geographically and ethnically diverse area of the UK.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Among U.S. Army Civilians and Dependents in the Kaiserslautern Military Community: A Mixed-Methods Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica M Burns ◽  
Fritz M Castillo ◽  
Rodney L Coldren ◽  
Trisha Prosser ◽  
Renee L Howell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Flu Vaccine

ABSTRACT Introduction Influenza is a globally occurring viral respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalizations and death. An influenza outbreak can interfere with combat readiness in a military setting, as the infection can incapacitate soldiers. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent and mitigate seasonal influenza. Although influenza vaccinations for U.S. Army soldiers can be monitored through military health systems, those systems cannot capture DoD civilians and Army dependents who may not use military health services. This study aims to gauge flu vaccine uptake and perceptions in U.S. Army civilians and dependents. Materials and Methods An online survey was e-mailed to civilian and dependent enrollees of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The survey contained 24 questions pertaining to demographics, vaccine history, history of the flu, and beliefs toward vaccines. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association between demographic, behavior, and belief factors with vaccine uptake. Free-text answers were coded and categorized by themes. Results Over 70% of respondents were vaccinated for the flu. There were differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents regarding their perceptions of barriers to vaccination, benefits of the flu vaccine, severity of flu symptoms, and personal risk of getting ill with the flu. After controlling for confounders, flu vaccination in the previous season and healthcare worker status were associated with increased vaccine uptake, while perceived barriers to influenza vaccination were associated with decreased vaccine uptake. Conclusions Flu vaccine uptake may be increased by increasing access to vaccination, promoting vaccination and addressing concerns at the provider level, and engaging positively framed public messaging. Increasing flu vaccine uptake is of particular importance as the flu season approaches during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

scholarly journals Adherence, Perception of, and Attitude toward Influenza and Flu Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study among a Population of Future Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13086
Author(s):  
Emanuele Chittano Congedo ◽  
Maria Emilia Paladino ◽  
Michele Augusto Riva ◽  
Michael Belingheri
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
Self Protection

Healthcare students (HCSs) represent a target category for seasonal flu vaccination. This study aimed to examine adherence to flu vaccination campaigns from 2016 to 2019 among HCSs and to investigate knowledge and perception of and attitude toward influenza and flu vaccination. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the HCSs of a northern Italian university. Data on adherence, knowledge, perception, and attitude were investigated through an anonymous online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled out by 352 out of 392 third-year HCSs (response rate = 90%). The main reason for refusal was the perception of influenza as non-threatening (24.4%), while self-protection was the main reason for adherence (87.5%). A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed some statistically significant associations with the adherence to the 2018–2019 campaign: being a nursing/midwifery student (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.77–9.71) and agreeing with (OR: 19.28; 95% CI: 2.47–146.85) or being undecided (OR: 10.81; 95% CI: 1.33–88.27) about the obligation of vaccination in health facilities. The associations were also evaluated with a multiple logistic regression model. Despite the low vaccine uptake, good knowledge of the risks for HCSs and patients related to flu has emerged. Improving promotion strategies will be necessary to increase the adhesion of future healthcare workers.

Unique Predictors of Intended Uptake of a COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults Living in a Rural College Town in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-184
Author(s):  
Robert P. Lennon ◽  
Meg L. Small ◽  
Rachel A. Smith ◽  
Lauren J. Van Scoy ◽  
Jessica G. Myrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Infection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
College Town ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Rural College

Purpose: To explore public confidence in a COVID-19 vaccine. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: A rural college town in central Pennsylvania. Subjects: Adult residents without minor children. Measures: The primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccination intention. Secondary measures included vaccination attitudes, norms, efficacy, past behavior, trust in the vaccination process, and sociodemographic variables of education, financial standing, political viewpoint, and religiosity. Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used to describe quantitative data. Multivariate ordinal regression was used to model predictors of vaccine intention. Results: Of 950 respondents, 55% were “very likely” and 20% “somewhat likely” to take a coronavirus vaccine, even though 70% had taken the flu vaccine since September 2019. The strongest predictors of vaccine acceptance were trust in the system evaluating vaccines and perceptions of local COVID-19 vaccination norms. The strongest predictors of negative vaccine intentions were worries about unknown side-effects and positive attitudes toward natural infection. Sociodemographic factors, political views, and religiosity did not predict vaccine intentions. Conclusion: Fewer adults intend to take a coronavirus vaccine than currently take the flu vaccine. Traditional sociodemographic factors may not be effective predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Although based on a small sample, the study adds to our limited understanding of COVID-19-specific vaccine confidence among some rural Americans and suggests that traditional public health vaccination campaigns based on sociodemographic characteristics may not be effective.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccine among future health care workers: a cohort study on Italian medical students

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Corradi ◽  
F Bert ◽  
E Pompili ◽  
D Catozzi ◽  
A Hordila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Flu Vaccine

Abstract Background Flu vaccination rates among health workers remain low and very variable between European countries despite the recommendations. Medical schools could be the best phase to educate health workers toward flu vaccine. This study aims to evaluate flu vaccine “prejudice” and vaccine hesitancy in medical students (MSs). Methods In 2018/19 flu season a cohort study was conducted at the School of Medicine of Turin, parallel to the flu vaccination campaign. Students were surveyed for sociodemographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and practices toward vaccination, adverse reactions, overall satisfaction toward received vaccination. Data was collected from 377 students. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. Results Females were 70% and median age was 24 (IQR 22.5-25). The 73.2% of the sample was vaccinated in the campaign, although the 60% of this had never been vaccinated before. Poor knowledge on flu vaccine, both self- and objectively assessed, was associated with lower vaccination rate (OR 0.23, p = 0.006; OR 0.15, p &lt; 0.001 respectively). Vaccination was more likely in those who had been vaccinated in the last 3 years (OR 9.14, p &lt; 0.001). Among non-vaccinated students, most frequent reasons to not undergo vaccination was not feeling at risk of contagion (48%). Vaccine decreased flu prevalence (OR 0.33, p = 0.039). Among vaccinated students, the persuasion that vaccination should be mandatory for health workers (OR 5.91, p = 0.039) was associated with higher vaccine satisfaction score while self-diagnosis of flu was associated with a lower score (OR 0.009, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Lack of flu vaccination among health workers increases flu prevalence and multiplies possible carriers in health facilities. European Medical Schools should start yearly vaccination campaigns to promote good habits in MSs. In parallel, more must be done to teach MSs the benefits of flu vaccination and thus increasing willingness to being vaccinated. Key messages Feeling poorly informed and being poorly informed about influenza vaccine significatively decrease likeliness of vaccination in medical students. Students do not feel at risk of contagion. Influenza vaccine uptake is a habitual behavior that should be promoted as early as possible among European health workers, possibly during Medical School.

scholarly journals A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Employees at an Onsite Employer-Based Health Clinic

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992110169
Author(s):  
Karen Landwehr ◽  
W. Jeff Trees ◽  
Susan Reutman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quality Improvement Project ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Flu Vaccine

Background In the United States, millions of people contract the flu each year. Immunization has been shown to provide the best protection against the flu. Increasing flu vaccination rates can reduce the number of patients who get the flu and seek care for non-specific symptoms thus making detection of the coronavirus more efficient. Method A quality improvement project was implemented to increase the number of influenza vaccines received by employees at an onsite employer-based health clinic. Anonymous pre- and post-surveys were used to assess the flu knowledge of employees. Employees from a large financial group, who voluntarily participated, received an educational handout at the onsite health fair or at a lunch and learn. Full-time employees who carried their employer’s health insurance were eligible to participate, whereas, dependents and contract employees were excluded. Findings The number of employees who received the vaccination increased during the fall of 2019 ( n = 406) when compared with the previous year ( n = 337). Nineteen percent ( n = 170) of employees completed surveys. There were statistically significantly more post- than pre-survey responses reflecting the participants’ perceived knowledge of influenza and the flu vaccine. The majority of participants in both the pre- and post-surveys reported that they learned “a lot” about both influenza and the flu vaccine. Conclusion Providing education and access to the vaccine in the workplace may improve flu knowledge, reduce barriers, and increase flu vaccine uptake among employees.

scholarly journals Uptake and Attitudes About Immunizations in People With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001099
Author(s):  
Ruth Ann Marrie ◽  
Leanne Kosowan ◽  
Gary R Cutter ◽  
Robert Fox ◽  
Amber Salter
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Personal Preference ◽  
The North ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
American Research

AbstractObjective:By surveying a multiple sclerosis (MS) population, we tested the hypothesis that influenza vaccine uptake would not meet public health targets in a large multiple and that vaccine misconceptions would contribute to lower than desired uptake.Methods:In Spring 2020, we surveyed participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry regarding vaccinations. Participants reported whether they had received hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, shingles, varicella, measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus or influenza vaccines. Participants who had not received influenza vaccine last year reported why not. We summarized responses descriptively. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed participant characteristics associated with uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine.Results:Of 5,244 eligible respondents, 80.8% were female, with a mean (SD) age of 61.8 (10.1) years. Overall, 43.0% (2161/5032) of participants reported that their neurologist had ever asked about their immunization history. The percentage of participants who received the seasonal flu vaccine last year ranged from 59.1% among those aged 18-24 to 79.9% for persons aged ≥65 years. Among those who did not get the influenza vaccination those most common reasons were personal preference (29.6%), concerns about possible adverse effects in general (29.3%), and concerns that the vaccine would worsen their MS (23.7%).Conclusion:Vaccination uptake is lower than desired in the MS population as compared to existing recommendations, including for seasonal influenza. Misconceptions about the safety of vaccination in the context of MS and personal preference appear to play important roles in vaccination choices, highlighting the importance of education about these issues.

Children’s fear and distress during a hospital-based family flu vaccine clinic: A parent survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352199498
Author(s):  
Sarah Khadij ◽  
Jessica Reszel ◽  
Jodi Wilding ◽  
Denise Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parent Survey ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Pain Distress

The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ perception of their child(ren)’s distress before, during, and after influenza (flu) vaccination, and their perceived effectiveness of pain and distress management strategies used during the vaccination process. This is a cross-sectional survey of parents attending Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s 2018 family flu clinic. After vaccination, parents completed a paper-based survey concerning demographics, fear and distress levels, and use and perceived effectiveness of pain/distress management interventions provided before and during the vaccination process. All survey data were entered into Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. A total of 164 parents completed the survey, reporting data on 327 children aged 6 months to 18 years (83% of children were vaccinated). Of 327 children, nearly half ( n = 142, 44%) were reported to be moderately to severely distressed before, during, or after the vaccination process. The parents reported that 268 (82%) children received pain/distress management strategies during vaccination. Over half ( n = 138, 57%) of the parents reported that the strategies used were very effective. Despite frequent use and parents’ perceived effectiveness of pain/distress management interventions, nearly half of the children were perceived by parents as moderately to severely distressed during the vaccination process.

CDC to Monitor Seasonal Flu Vaccine for Seizures

2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
SHARON WORCESTER
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine
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