Knowledge, attitude/perception, and practice related to seasonal influenza vaccination among caregivers of young Thai children: A cross-sectional study

Background Seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among young children in Thailand is low despite national recommendation for vaccination. We implemented a knowledge, attitude/perception, and practice survey to understand determinants of influenza vaccination in children aged six months to two years. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed caregivers of 700 children in seven hospitals using a structured questionnaire to collect information on caregivers’ and children’s demographic characteristics, and caregivers’ knowledge of influenza illness and national vaccine recommendation, attitude/perception toward influenza vaccine, and information sources. We verified children’s influenza vaccination status against medical records (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated). Logistic regression was used to examine factors independently associated with children receiving influenza vaccination in the 2018 season using the dataset restricted to only children’s parents. Variables associated with vaccination at p-value ≤0.20 were included in subsequent multivariable logistic models. Significant independent determinants of children’s influenza vaccination and collinearity of covariates were assessed. The final model was constructed using a stepwise backward elimination approach with variables significant at p-value <0.05 retained in the model. Results During August 2018-February 2019, 700 children’s caregivers completed the questionnaire; 61 (9%) were caregivers of vaccinated children. Caregivers of the vaccinated children were statistically more likely to have higher education (61% vs. 38%; p-value<0.01) and to know of influenza illness (93% vs. 76%; p-value = 0.03) than those of the unvaccinated group. Factors associated with children receiving influenza vaccination were identifying healthcare providers as a primary source of information about influenza illness for parents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–6.0), parents’ strongly agreeing with the national recommendation for influenza vaccination in young children (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5–5.9), using health insurance provided by the government or parent’s employer for children’s doctor visits (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–6.6), and the children’s history of receiving influenza vaccination in the 2017 season or earlier (aOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4–7.8). Conclusion The majority of caregivers of children in this study had knowledge of influenza illness and influenza vaccine. Caregivers reported various sources of information regarding influenza illness and the vaccine, but healthcare providers remained the most trusted source. Children’s history of influenza vaccination in prior season(s) was the strongest determinant of children being vaccinated for influenza in the current season.

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Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine in Terms of Their Exposure to the Influenza Vaccine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Leena R. Baghdadi ◽

Shatha G. Alghaihb ◽

Alanoud A. Abuhaimed ◽

Dania M. Alkelabi ◽

Rawan S. Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽

History Of

In 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)) caused a global pandemic. There was an urgent need to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 to reduce its spread and economic burden. The main objective of this study was to understand the attitudes and concerns of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, whether their decision was influenced by their history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, and factors that influence the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We selected and surveyed 356 HCWs via an electronic self-administered questionnaire. A total of 61.16% of HCWs were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and 55.9% of them had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the preceding year (2019–2020). The strongest predictors for taking the COVID-19 vaccine were the HCWs’ belief that the COVID-19 vaccine would be safe, needed even for healthy people, that all HCWs should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that HCWs will have time to take the vaccine. Being female, being middle aged, having <5 years of work experience, having no fear of injections, and being a non-smoker were predictive factors for taking the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. No associations were found between the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and a history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine.

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Characteristics of Healthcare Workers Vaccinated against Influenza in the Era of COVID-19

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070695 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 695

Author(s):

Giorgia Della Polla ◽

Francesca Licata ◽

Silvia Angelillo ◽

Concetta Paola Pelullo ◽

Aida Bianco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

High Risk Group ◽

High Coverage ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Season ◽

Study Results

Understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 on receiving influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is of utmost importance. The purposes of the present cross-sectional study were to describe the characteristics and to explore the predictors of receiving influenza vaccination among a large cohort of Italian HCWs in hospital settings. Information was collected through an anonymous questionnaire from December 2020 through January 2021. General and practice characteristics, perceived risk of seasonal influenza, attitudes towards efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination, and reasons behind the decision to be vaccinated against influenza were explored. Fewer than half (46.2%) of HCWs agreed that influenza is a serious illness and perceived the risk of getting infected with influenza, and concerns about the safety of the vaccination were significant positive predictors. Fewer than half of the respondents were not concerned at all about the efficacy (48.6%) and safety (49.8%) of influenza vaccination, and 51.9% reported that they have not received a seasonal influenza vaccine during the previous season. The most mentioned reason for receiving the influenza vaccine in the current season was that influenza and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms. Study results will aid policymakers in developing vaccination education programs, promotion of trust to address negative misconceptions, and to achieve future high coverage among this high-risk group.

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Influenza Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in South Al Batinah Governorate in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8040661 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 661

Author(s):

Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽

Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽

Malak Kaddoura ◽

Ozayr Mahomed ◽

Nathalie Lahoud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

General Medicine ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

Background: Seasonal influenza infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for vaccination against influenza due to their increased risk of infection and their potential to transmit the infection to their patients, families and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hesitancy and its associated factors towards influenza vaccination amongst HCWs in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 390 HCWs with direct or indirect patient contact was conducted in May and June 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between HCW characteristics and vaccination status were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify the likelihood of vaccination against seasonal influenza among HCWs. Results: Overall, 60% of HCWs were vaccinated in the 2018/2019 season; vaccine uptake among nurses was 52% and uptake was higher among women. Self-protection and protection of the community were the most cited reasons for vaccine acceptance, with side effects being the main reason for hesitancy. Vaccinated respondents had a higher mean knowledge score (7.18; standard deviation SD: 2.14) than unvaccinated respondents (6.30; SD: 2.2). Odds of vaccination were highest among respondents who believed influenza vaccine should be mandatory for HCWs (Odds ratio (OR): 2.04 [1.30–3.18]), those working in the general medicine, emergency medicine, or intensive care units (OR: 1.92 [1.20–3.10]), nurses and doctors (OR: 1.75 [1.09–2.79]) and those who believe that HCWs should receive an influenza vaccine (OR: 1.35 [1.07–2.77]). Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the enablers and barriers of influenza vaccination practices among HCWs and may inform interventions to increase acceptance of vaccination.

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Intention to have the seasonal influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic among eligible adults in the UK: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e049369

Author(s):

Susan M Sherman ◽

Julius Sim ◽

Richard Amlôt ◽

Megan Cutts ◽

Hannah Dasch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Online Survey ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽

The Uk ◽

To Receive

ObjectiveTo investigate the likelihood of having the seasonal influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals who were eligible to receive it.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey in July 2020. We included predictors informed by previous research, in the following categories: sociodemographic variables; uptake of influenza vaccine last winter and beliefs about vaccination.Participants570 participants (mean age: 53.07; 56.3% female, 87.0% white) who were eligible for the free seasonal influenza vaccination in the UK.Results59.7% of our sample indicated they were likely to have the seasonal influenza vaccination, 22.1% reported being unlikely to have the vaccination and 18.2% were unsure. We used logistic regression to investigate variables associated with intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine in the 2020–2021 season. A positive attitude to vaccination in general predicted intention to have the influenza vaccine in 2020–2021 (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.77, p<0.001) but the strongest predictor of intention was previous influenza vaccination behaviour (OR 278.58, 95% CI 78.04 to 994.46, p<0.001).ConclusionsPrevious research suggests that increasing uptake of the influenza vaccination may help contain a COVID-19 outbreak, so steps need to be taken to convert intention into behaviour and to reach those individuals who reported being unlikely or unsure about having the vaccine.

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Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Saudi Children: Parental Barriers and Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16214226 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (21) ◽

pp. 4226 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Abdullah Alolayan ◽

Bdoor Almotairi ◽

Shouq Alshammari ◽

Malak Alhearri ◽

Mohammed Alsuhaibani

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Severe Condition ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection. It is a contagious viral illness which can cause moderate to severe symptoms. However, high-risk groups, including children, can develop a severe condition requiring hospitalization that may, in severe cases, result in death. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi parents toward the influenza vaccine and identify potential barriers to receiving the influenza vaccination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire comprising 27 validated questions to assess parental awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward the influenza vaccine. The overall attitude of the participants was positive (94.7%). However, their knowledge was generally poor (61.7%). Most participants were aware of the seasonal influenza vaccine (85.5%) and their children were up-to-date with the child national vaccination program vaccines (92.7%). Medical staff and awareness campaigns were the commonest sources of vaccine information. Significant predictors for knowledge about and attitudes toward the influenza vaccine included educational level, working in the medical field, monthly income, awareness of the seasonal influenza vaccine, having received the vaccine as parent, and having a child already vaccinated. Adherence to the influenza vaccination regimen for parents and their children was low. More educational campaigns are needed to increase knowledge about the vaccine.

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Acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccination and associated factors among pregnant women in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in China: a multi-center cross-sectional study based on health belief model

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-04224-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ruitong Wang ◽

Liyuan Tao ◽

Na Han ◽

Jihong Liu ◽

Chuanxiang Yuan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza can circulate in parallel with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in winter. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of co-infection and the burden it poses on healthcare system calls for timely influenza vaccination among pregnant women, who are the priority population recommended for vaccination. We aimed to evaluate the acceptance of influenza vaccination and associated factors among pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic, provide evidence to improve influenza vaccination among pregnant women, help reduce the risk of infection and alleviate the burden of healthcare system for co-infected patients. Methods We conducted a multi-center cross-sectional study among pregnant women in China. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knowledge on influenza, attitude towards vaccination, and health beliefs were collected. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing regression analysis was used to evaluate the trends in the acceptance of influenza vaccine. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with vaccination acceptance. Results The total acceptance rate was 76.5% (95%CI: 74.8–78.1%) among 2568 pregnant women enrolled. Only 8.3% of the participants had a history of seasonal influenza vaccination. In the logistic regression model, factors associated with the acceptance of influenza vaccine were western region, history of influenza vaccination, high knowledge of influenza infection and vaccination, high level of perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, cues to action and low level of perceived barriers. Among 23.5% of the participants who had vaccine hesitancy, 48.0% of them were worried about side effect, 35.6% of them lacked confidence of vaccine safety. Conclusions Our findings highlighted that tailored strategies and publicity for influenza vaccination in the context of COVID-19 pandemic are warranted to reduce pregnant women’s concerns, improve their knowledge, expand vaccine uptake and alleviate pressure for healthcare system.

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The Prevalence of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Pregnant Women Referring to Tertiary Hospitals of Kerman, Iran

Shiraz E-Medical Journal ◽

10.5812/semj.100583 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Mehran Nakhaeizadeh ◽

Solmaz Bahar ◽

Ali Khalooei

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Coverage Rate ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Coverage Rate ◽

Tertiary Hospitals

Background: Influenza vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent comorbidity and mortality of this infection in pregnant women. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the influenza vaccination rate and its related factors among pregnant women. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 520 pregnant women referring to antenatal clinics of tertiary hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences from January to April 2019 in Kerman city, Iran. The collected data through a form distributed among the subjects were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The influenza vaccination coverage rate was 30.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 26.1 - 34.1) among the pregnant women. Age older than 30 years (AOR = 3.79; 95%CI: 1.55 - 9.24), being employed (AOR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.01 - 5.88), having an underlying chronic disease (AOR = 4.39; 95%CI: 1.33 - 14.51), receiving recommendation to undergo influenza vaccination (AOR = 65.76; 95%CI: 11.04 - 391.48), and having good knowledge of influenza vaccine (AOR = 9.64; 95%CI: 3.87 - 24.02) increased the likelihood of receiving influenza vaccine. Conclusions: The current study highlighted that the influenza vaccination coverage rate was suboptimal. Also, findings of the current study suggested that influenza vaccination, as an important component of antenatal care services, should be considered by health policymakers. Furthermore, educating pregnant women and healthcare providers can improve compliance with influenza vaccination.

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Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Seasonal Influenza and Influenza Vaccination among Patients and Their Companions in North Palestine Hospitals

Advances in Public Health ◽

10.1155/2021/3611846 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Issa Alawneh ◽

Hamza Al-Sayeh ◽

Mahdi Zaid ◽

Maysa Alawneh ◽

Hossam Al-Tatari

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Effective Means ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Lower Airway ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Serious Disease

Background. Seasonal influenza is a common highly infectious disease that can affect the upper and lower airway in children and adults mainly in wintertime which is caused by many different influenza viruses and, in some cases, may cause serious complications such as pneumonia. We conducted this study to assess the knowledge and attitudes among patients and their companions in North Palestine hospitals regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination and factors influencing the uptake of this vaccine so that we can identify gaps in their knowledge and give feedback to health authorities for future quality improvement projects by increasing awareness of its effectiveness and safety. Methods. A cross-sectional 17-item survey included randomly selected samples of 327 North Palestinian patients and their companions at North Palestine hospitals. Result. A total of 327 completed questionnaires were received with a response rate of 92%. Of these, 129 participants (39.4%) believed that influenza is the same as common cold. The majority of participants (85.3%) had heard of the influenza vaccine before. Although nearly half of them (53.6%) believed that the influenza vaccine is safe, only 112 (34.7%) of the participants considered vaccination an effective means in preventing serious influenza-related complications and only 89 (27.2%) participants were previously vaccinated. The main reasons for not being vaccinated included that vaccination is not necessary because flu is not a serious disease (67%), concerns about vaccine efficacy and its side effects (25.6%), fear of needles and injection (25.2%), and 17.8% of the participants believed that this vaccine is expensive. Conclusion. The uptake and knowledge of the influenza vaccine among Palestinians are low. Vaccinated participants in our survey showed a higher level of knowledge compared to nonvaccinated participants. Half of the participants believed in the safety of the vaccine and one-third of them believed in its efficacy in preventing flu illness and its complications. Extensive and sustained efforts are needed by public health programs to promote the flu vaccine among the public by increasing awareness of its effectiveness and safety.

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Influenza vaccination coverage in a population-based cohort of Australian-born Aboriginal and non-Indigenous older adults

Communicable Diseases Intelligence ◽

10.33321/cdi.2019.43.30 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

Author(s):

Amalie Dyda ◽

Surendra Karki ◽

Marlene Kong ◽

Heather F Gidding ◽

John M Kaldor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Torres Strait Islander ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

P Value ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Medical Risk ◽

Torres Strait

Background: There is limited information on vaccination coverage and characteristics associated with vaccine uptake in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults. We aimed to provide more current estimates of influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal adults. Methods: Self-reported vaccination status (n=559 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, n=80,655 non-Indigenous participants) from the 45 and Up Study, a large cohort of adults aged 45 years or older, was used to compare influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults with coverage in non-Indigenous adults. Results: Of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged 49 to <65 years, age-standardised influenza coverage was respectively 45.2% (95% CI 39.5–50.9%) and 38.5%, (37.9–39.0%), p-value for heterogeneity=0.02. Coverage for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged ≥65 years was respectively 67.3% (59.9–74.7%) and 72.6% (72.2–73.0%), p-heterogeneity=0.16. Among Aboriginal adults, coverage was higher in obese than in healthy weight participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95%CI 1.44–3.94); in those aged <65 years with a medical risk factor than in those without medical risk factors (aOR=2.13, 1.37–3.30); and in those who rated their health as fair/poor compared to those who rated it excellent (aOR=2.57, 1.26–5.20). Similar associations were found among non-Indigenous adults. Conclusions: In this sample of adults ≥65 years, self-reported influenza vaccine coverage was not significantly different between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous adults whereas in those <65 years, coverage was higher among Aboriginal adults. Overall, coverage in the whole cohort was suboptimal. If these findings are replicated in other samples and in the Australian Immunisation Register, it suggests that measures to improve uptake, such as communication about the importance of influenza vaccine and more effective reminder systems, are needed among adults.

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Influenza vaccination and the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness in older adults in the United States

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90068-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kelly Huang ◽

Shu-Wen Lin ◽

Wang-Huei Sheng ◽

Chi-Chuan Wang

Keyword(s):

Immune Responses ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Study Population ◽

Health Database

AbstractThe coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic and led to nearly three million deaths globally. As of April 2021, there are still many countries that do not have COVID-19 vaccines. Before the COVID-19 vaccines were developed, some evidence suggested that an influenza vaccine may stimulate nonspecific immune responses that reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection or the severity of COVID-19 illness after infection. This study evaluated the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of COVID-19 infection. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study with data from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 with the Claims data from Symphony Health database. The study population was adults age 65 years old or older who received influenza vaccination between September 1 and December 31 of 2019. The main outcomes and measures were odds of COVID-19 infection and severe COVID-19 illness after January 15, 2020. We found the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of COVID-19 infection risk between the influenza-vaccination group and no-influenza-vaccination group was 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–0.77). Among COVID-19 patients, the aOR of developing severe COVID-19 illness was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.68–0.76) between the influenza-vaccination group and the no-influenza-vaccination group. When the influenza-vaccination group and the other-vaccination group were compared, the aOR of COVID-19 infection was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93–0.97), and the aOR of developing a severe COVID-19 illness was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.80–1.13). The influenza vaccine may marginally protect people from COVID-19 infection.

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