scholarly journals Influenza Vaccination During the Coronavirus Epidemic: Intention to Vaccinate among the at-risk Population in the Central Catalonia Health Region (VAGCOVID).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bonet-Esteve ◽  
Raquel Muñoz-Miralles ◽  
Carla Gonzalez-Claramunt ◽  
Ana M Rufas ◽  
Xavier Pelegrin Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
The Individual

Abstract BackgroundInfluenza is a major public health issue, with the primary preventive measure being an annual influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among the at-risk population is low. Our understanding of the behaviour of the influenza virus during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is limited, meaning the influenza vaccination is still recommended for individuals in high-risk groups. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal influenza among the at-risk population in the 2020-21 campaign during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to analyse the factors which influence said intention.MethodsCross-sectional telephone survey of adults (aged over 18) with risk factors in central Catalonia where the need for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) was recommended.ResultsA total of 434 participants responded to the survey, 43.3% of whom intended to have the vaccination against influenza this year and 15.9% did not know or did not express an opinion. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza is associated with having dependents, the individual’s perception of the risk of them catching influenza and the perceived risk for dependents. It is also associated with age, whether the individual had received an influenza vaccination the year before and whether they had been vaccinated on another occasion. The best predictors of the intention to vaccinate are the individual’s perception of the risk of catching influenza and whether the individual had been vaccinated in the previous year.ConclusionsVaccination intention can be a good predictor of behaviour in relation to vaccination. During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic many individuals are undecided. In order to improve vaccination coverage in people at risk, it is necessary to promote educational actions, especially in those people who express doubts.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination during the coronavirus pandemic: intention to vaccinate among the at-risk population in the Central Catalonia Health Region (VAGCOVID)

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bonet-Esteve ◽  
Raquel Muñoz-Miralles ◽  
Carla Gonzalez-Claramunt ◽  
Ana M Rufas ◽  
Xavier Pelegrin Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Previous Season ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Influenza is a major public health issue, with the primary preventive measure being an annual influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among the at-risk population is low. Our understanding of the behaviour of the influenza virus during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is limited, meaning influenza vaccination is still recommended for individuals at risk for severe complications due to influenza infection. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal influenza among the at-risk population in the 2020-21 campaign during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to analyse the factors which influence such intention. Methods Cross-sectional telephone survey of adults (aged over 18) with risk factors in central Catalonia where the need for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) was recommended. Results A total of 434 participants responded to the survey, 43.3% of whom intended to be vaccinated against influenza for the 2020-2021 influenza season, 40.8% had no intention to be vaccinated and 15.9% were uncertain or did not express their opinion. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza is associated with having dependents, the individual’s perception of the risk of being infected with influenza and the perceived risk of transmission to dependents. It is also associated with age, whether the individual had received influenza vaccine the previous season or any other season before. The best predictors of the intention to vaccinate are the individual’s perception of the risk of catching influenza and whether the individual had been vaccinated in the previous season. Conclusions Intention to vaccinate can be a good predictor of individual behaviour in relation to vaccination. During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic many individuals are hesitant to influenza vaccination. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage in people included in risk groups, it is necessary to promote educational actions, especially among those who express doubts.

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

Vaccines ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination campaigns targeted at healthcare workers:results of four hospitals in Rome

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tognetto ◽  
A Abbondanzieri ◽  
G Cerone ◽  
M Di Pumpo ◽  
A Nardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Coverage Rates ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) of health care workers (HCWs) is well recognized as a public health measure that can protect both HCWs from infection and patients from the risk of influenza complications. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage rates among this specific population result generally lower than the recommended target. With our study, we aimed to describe the activities and the outcomes of four different SIV campaigns targeted at HCWs and organized during the season 2018/2019 in four hospitals in Rome. Methods A cross-sectional study involving four teaching hospitals was performed. The collected data were synthetized into a set of descriptors and indicators, validated through a previous study that had involved the same Centers. Results The Medical Directorates, in collaboration with the University Hygiene and Public Health Units of the four hospitals organized different strategies: Hospital 1, 3 and 4 realized educational courses for HCWs and actively promoted the campaigns through e-mail invitations to all HCWs. As for the access to vaccination, all the hospitals provided a dedicated unit for SIV; Hospital 1 and Hospital 4 organized also on-site vaccination sessions in the hospital wards, that required a large number of staff. The vaccination coverage rates resulted: 22.37% in Hospital 1, 18.10% in Hospital 4, 9.28% in Hospital 2 and 8,51% in Hospital 3. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that multi-activity campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of SIV. Our findings suggest that on-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage. Key messages Multi-activity vaccination campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of seasonal influenza vaccination for HCWs. On-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccination in Coronavirus Times: Intention to Be Vaccinated by Primary Care Professionals in Central Catalonia (VAGCOVID)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Muñoz-Miralles ◽  
Anna Bonet-Esteve ◽  
Anna Rufas Cebollero ◽  
Xavier Pelegrin Cruz ◽  
Josep Vidal Alaball
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Primary Care Professionals

Abstract BackgroundInfluenza vaccination is the main measure of prevention against the epidemic flu, which annually produces a significant increase in the pressure on healthcare systems, in addition to influencing the absenteeism of health workers. Although it is recommended that health professionals be vaccinated, their vaccination coverage is low. The lack of knowledge about the evolution of influenza in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic led to the continued recommendation of influenza vaccination to people at risk and to professionals. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal flu of health professionals in the 2020-21 campaign in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to analyse the factors that influence it.MethodsCross-sectional study through a structured online survey aimed at Primary Care professionals in the region of central Catalonia.ResultsA total of 610 participants responded to the survey, 65.7% of whom intended to be vaccinated against the flu in this campaign and 11.1% did not yet know or did not answer. The intention to be vaccinated against flu is associated with the professional category, the years of professional practice, the fact of making face-to-face guards, and the perception of the risk of suffering from flu. It is also related to a history of influenza vaccination in the previous year and to having been vaccinated on another occasion. The profile of professionals who intend to be vaccinated against flu includes professionals with a history of vaccination, who were on duty and perceived that their staff were at risk of becoming ill with flu.ConclusionsDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many professionals show a clear intention to get vaccinated against the flu, but there are still some who doubt it. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage among health professionals, it is necessary to design strategies aimed at professionals who are hesitant or reluctant to vaccination.

scholarly journals Differences in Influenza Vaccination Coverage between Adult Immigrants and Italian Citizens at Risk for Influenza-Related Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e0166517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Fabiani ◽  
Flavia Riccardo ◽  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Lidia Gargiulo ◽  
Silvia Declich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Immigrants

scholarly journals Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage: a multicenter cross-sectional study among healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayhanim Tumturk ◽  
Selma Tosun ◽  
Ilknur Esen Yıldız ◽  
Handan Alay ◽  
Duru Mıstanoglu Ozatay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

scholarly journals Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines among the Saudi Population and Vaccine Uptake During the Initial Stage of the National Vaccination Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 765
Author(s):  
Amel Ahmed Fayed ◽  
Abeer Salem Al Shahrani ◽  
Leenah Tawfiq Almanea ◽  
Nardeen Ibrahim Alsweed ◽  
Layla Mohammed Almarzoug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
To Receive

This study aimed to assess the willingness to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza vaccines and vaccine uptake during the early stage of the national vaccination campaign in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult Saudis between 20 January and 20 March 2021. The questionnaire addressed vaccine hesitancy, perceived risk, willingness, and vaccine uptake. Approximately 39% of the participants expressed vaccine hesitancy, and 29.8% and 24% felt highly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, respectively. The majority (59.5%) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, although only 31.7% were willing to receive the flu vaccine. Adjusted analysis showed that vaccine hesitancy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.27–0.43) and the perception of being at high risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.68–4.60) independently affected the intention to be vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy was similar among those who were willing to be vaccinated (29.8%) and those who had already been vaccinated (33.1%). The perceived risk was significantly higher among those who had been vaccinated (48.1%) than among those who were willing to be vaccinated but had not yet been vaccinated (29.1%). In conclusion, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia is high. Saudis who received the vaccine had a similar level of vaccine hesitancy and a higher level of perceived risk.

scholarly journals A Call for a Reform of the Influenza Immunization Program in Mexico: Epidemiologic and Economic Evidence for Decision Making

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Roberto Tapia-Conyer ◽  
Miguel Betancourt-Cravioto ◽  
Alejandra Montoya ◽  
Jorge Abelardo Falcón-Lezama ◽  
Myrna María Alfaro-Cortes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Decision Analytic Model ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Influenza Case ◽  
One Year ◽  
Effectiveness Studies

Limited information is available to determine the effectiveness of Mexico’s national influenza vaccination guidelines and inform policy updates. We aim to propose reforms to current influenza vaccination policies based on our analysis of cost-effectiveness studies. This cross-sectional epidemiological study used influenza case, death, discharge and hospitalization data from several influenza seasons and applied a one-year decision-analytic model to assess cost-effectiveness. The primary health outcome was influenza cases avoided; secondary health outcomes were influenza-related events associated with case reduction. By increasing vaccination coverage to 75% in the population aged 12–49 years with risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, morbid obesity, chronic renal failure, asthma, pregnancy), and expanding universal vaccination coverage to school-aged children (5–11 years) and adults aged 50–59 years, 7142–671,461 influenza cases; 1–15 deaths; 7615–262,812 healthcare visits; 2886–154,143 emergency room admissions and 2891–97,637 hospitalizations could be prevented (ranges correspond to separate age and risk factor groups), with a net annual savings of 3.90 to 111.99 million USD. Such changes to the current vaccination policy could potentially result in significant economic and health benefits. These data could be used to inform the revision of a vaccination policy in Mexico with substantial social value.

scholarly journals Impact of national influenza vaccination strategy in severe influenza outcomes among the high-risk Portuguese population

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ausenda Machado ◽  
Irina Kislaya ◽  
Amparo Larrauri ◽  
Carlos Matias Dias ◽  
Baltazar Nunes
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Strategy ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Severe Influenza ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background All aged individuals with a chronic condition and those with 65 and more years are at increased risk of severe influenza post-infection complications. There is limited research on cases averted by the yearly vaccination programs in high-risk individuals. The objective was to estimate the impact of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination on averted hospitalizations and death among the high-risk population in Portugal. Methods The impact of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination was estimated using vaccine coverage, vaccine effectiveness and the number of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. The number of averted events (NAE), prevented fraction (PF) and number needed to vaccinate (NVN) were estimated for seasons 2014/15 to 2016/17. Results The vaccination strategy averted on average approximately 1833 hospitalizations and 383 deaths per season. Highest NAE was observed in the ≥65 years population (85% of hospitalizations and 95% deaths) and in the 2016/17 season (1957 hospitalizations and 439 deaths). On average, seasonal vaccination prevented 21% of hospitalizations in the population aged 65 and more, and 18.5% in the population with chronic conditions. The vaccination also prevented 29% and 19.5% of deaths in each group of the high-risk population. It would be needed to vaccinate 3360 high-risk individuals, to prevent one hospitalization and 60,471 high-risk individuals to prevent one death. Conclusion The yearly influenza vaccination campaigns had a sustained positive benefit for the high-risk population, reducing hospitalizations and deaths. These results can support public health plans toward increased vaccine coverage in high-risk groups.

Predictors of influenza vaccination uptake among elderly in Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Miskulin ◽  
A Vcev ◽  
M Matic Licanin ◽  
I Vcev ◽  
I Vukoja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vaccination History ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Effective Public Health

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination (IV) is recommended for elderly but vaccination coverage in this group remains unsatisfactory in Croatia. The aim of this study was to explore IV uptake among elderly from Eastern Croatia and predictors that influence this uptake. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during 2018/2019 influenza season in convenient sample of older adults aged 65 years or more from Eastern Croatia at the primary health care setting. Results The study sample consisted of 816 subjects (48.0% males and 52.0% females). The median age of all subjects was 73.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 69.5 - 79.0 years). The overall prevalence of IV uptake was 33.3%. The IV uptake was statistically more frequent among females (P < 0.001) and old-old subgroup (85 years and older) (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in IV uptake considering marital status of subjects (P > 0.999). The median number of positive attitudes towards IV was 4.0 (IQR 2.0 - 4.0) and the median number of correct answers was 6.0 (IQR 4.0 - 8.0). The study revealed fair positive correlation between attitudes and IV uptake (rho=0.477; P < 0.001) and poor positive correlation between knowledge and IV uptake (rho=0.242; P < 0.001). The study further showed poor positive correlation between presence of comorbidities and IV uptake (rho=0.187; P < 0.001) and moderate positive correlation between previous year vaccination history and IV uptake (rho=0.669; P < 0.001). Conclusions The study showed that observed IV uptake is far below EU target influenza vaccination coverage among elderly of 75%. The study revealed that fairly good predictors of IV uptake in study population were gender, older age group, and previous year vaccination history while attitudes, knowledge and presence of comorbidities were fairly poor predictors. The good predictors of IV uptake among elderly should be taken into account during influenza vaccination popularization strategies development. Key messages Understanding the factors that could improve the acceptance of vaccination is crucial to design effective public health interventions. The structured communication campaigns on influenza and influenza vaccines should be developed and directed specifically to elderly as one of target groups for vaccination.

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