Harnessing the power of advocacy to improve seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Seasonal influenza epidemics constitute a major burden to human health in terms of morbidity and mortality. Vaccines are available and effective for preventing influenza. However, the optimal impact of these vaccines on a community can be only achieved with proper implementation and adequate coverage among risk groups. Influenza vaccination rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region remain low and lag behind other regions. This is despite implementation of rigorous vaccination policies in many countries in the Region and can be attributed to various barriers, including lack of knowledge and misconceptions regarding influenza and vaccination. Advocacy to promote the benefits and safety of vaccination and to educate the health sector and the public about the burden of influenza is needed to enhance vaccination coverage in the Region, particularly among high-risk groups. We highlight approaches that have improved vaccination coverage to support the value of advocacy in promoting and improving vaccination rates in the Region.

Determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine intent or uptake in Lebanon: a scoping review of the literature

“…Yet, influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) country are consistently suboptimal. They are estimated at less than 20 doses/1,000 compared to 275 doses/1,000 individuals in American countries [7]; thus not meeting the WHO recommendations [4]. Similar to influenza vaccines, COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates are also suboptimal.…”