Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Patients with Chronic Diseases: Prevalence, Acceptability, and Hesitation

Abstract

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is an essential public health measure for preventing the spread of influenza viruses and mitigating the adverse health effects associated with them. Vaccination is particularly crucial for individuals with Chronic diseases (CDs), as they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the influenza virus. Aim of Study:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccine (IV) uptake among CD patients, the factors influencing it, and what the main reasons were for those who chose to receive the IV and those who did not. Material and Methods:A secondary analysis was conducted on 241 participants with CDs who were aged 18 years or older based on a previous cross-sectional study.Results: A total of 43.2% of the participants received the IV during flu sessions in 2023. SIV was significantly associated with the source of information regarding vaccination. There was a higher probability (OR=1.49) of people not taking the IV when they received information from an untrusted source. Patients with immune diseases were more likely not to choose to take the vaccine (OR=3.04), while patients with diabetes were less likely to not take it (OR=0.64). Participants with CDs were more likely to choose to take the influenza vaccine due to encouragement from their healthcare providers than to their current health. In contrast, many CD patients refused vaccination without an apparent reason. Conclusion:Patients with CDs had low influenza immunization rates. Primary healthcare practitioners should implement new and more effective methods of educating susceptible populations to increase influenza vaccination rates.