Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in 2020

Abstract

We aimed to assess attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic (flu season 2020/2021). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out between 5 and 15 November 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of 1052 individuals aged 18+ in Poland. Of the respondents, 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3–7.0%) declared that they had already got vaccinated against influenza and 13.4% (95% CI: 11.4–15.6%) declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Out of nine different factors analyzed in this study, only three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 2.63–12.85), as well as participants aged 60–74 years (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30–4.54), compared to those aged 19–29, had significantly higher odds of having a positive attitude towards seasonal influenza vaccination. Respondents who define themselves as completely religious unbelievers (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.79–10.55), as well as Internet users (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.30–3.47), had higher odds of having a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of adults in Poland who already got vaccinated or declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza remains low. This also applies to high-risk groups.

Identification of Barriers Limiting the Use of Preventive Vaccinations against Influenza among the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Our results demonstrated that people concerned about COVID-19 infection decided to refuse influenza vaccination more often (OR = 1.65, CI 95% [1.02–2.66], Table 2 ). This result is in contrast to a recently published study performed by Samel-Kowalik et al in Poland on a group of 1052 individuals aged 18+, which found that respondents who cited negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination were more often likely to cite a lack of willingness to vaccinate against influenza [ 30 ]. In addition, the statistical data showing influenza vaccination coverage rates worldwide do not confirm our finding [ 6 ].…”

“…Nowadays, Polish healthcare authorities are making significant efforts to improve the convenience of influenza vaccination for the general public. For instance, to solve the problem of non-availability of influenza vaccines in pharmacies, public health authorities have increased the number of vaccines ordered from manufacturers [ 30 ]. Furthermore, in late 2021, legislative measures introduced free vaccines for all patients over 18 years of age, which may also be provided at pharmacies [ 31 , 32 ].…”

“…Furthermore, in late 2021, legislative measures introduced free vaccines for all patients over 18 years of age, which may also be provided at pharmacies [ 31 , 32 ]. This change may bring many benefits, as it increases the availability of the vaccine, removes potential financial problems with purchasing it, and also lowers the need for personal medical consultations, which are generally time-consuming [ 30 , 33 ]. Moreover, taking into account the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, such a solution reduces the need for GP appointments and lowers the risk of potential exposure to infection.…”

The Potential Benefits of the Influenza Vaccination on COVID-19 Mortality Rate—A Retrospective Analysis of Patients in Poland

“…However, a retrospective analysis of the vaccination coverage rates in the general population in 19 EU/EEA Member States in 2016-2017 established that Poland is a country with one of the lowest influenza vaccination coverage rates, and the vaccination coverage rates in older target populations is also one in the lowest in the EU [35]. A study performed by Samel-Kowalik et al showed that, in November 2020 among adults in Poland, only 5.5% had already been vaccinated against influenza [36], even though adults aged 65 and over are covered by the free vaccination program. Taking into account such an unfavorable vaccination status, an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in the elderly population and a higher chance of severe illness or death due to COVID-19 complications, we therefore highlighted the importance of the influenza vaccine protective effect in Poland and other countries with low influenza vaccine coverage.…”

The Influence of Recommendation of Medical and Non-Medical Authorities on the Decision to Vaccinate against Influenza from a Social Vaccinology Perspective: Cross-Sectional, Representative Study of Polish Society

“…This justifies the need to understand various factors that may play a role in such a low interest in influenza vaccination in Poland. The representative study by Samel-Kowalik et al, conducted among Poles in 2020, found that among those aged over 60, low levels of religious practices and internet use were significantly associated with positive attitudes toward influenza vaccination [ 12 ].…”