The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Immunization in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare 2022-01, Vol.15, p.1841-1849
• Main Authors: Minshawi, Faisal, Samannodi, Mohammed, Alwafi, Hassan, Assaggaf, Hamza M, Almatrafi, Mohammed A, Salawati, Emad, Alsafi, Radi, Alharbi, Ruba A, Alduais, Raghad F, Alrehaili, Muruj, Tariq, Shahad, Alghamdi, Rahaf, Almatrfi, Shumok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age groups; Asthma; Attitudes; Chronic illnesses; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; covid-19 pandemic; COVID-19 vaccines; Cross-sectional studies; Demographics; Diabetes; Disease transmission; Education; Epidemics; Ethics; Females; Health aspects; Health risks; Immunization; Infections; Influenza; influenza vaccine; Influenza vaccines; Influenza viruses; Knowledge; Medical personnel; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Older people; Original Research; Pandemics; Population; Public health; Questionnaires; Sample size; Saudi Arabia; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Surveys; Vaccination; vaccine hesitancy; Vaccines
• ISSN: 1178-2390; 1178-2390
• DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S379150

Introduction: Influenza vaccination is the primary control measure for severe complications caused by influenza viruses. Moreover, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia recommends vaccinating people at risk against influenza to minimise co-infection risk with SARS-CoV2. Therefore, this study aims to assess the Saudi population's knowledge, attitude, and practice toward influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey in Saudi Arabia between July to August 2021. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaire through a survey link sent to social media platforms. Results: A total of 2410 participants were included in this study. Our data demonstrate a lack of practice, attitude, and knowledge, especially on the influenza virus's symptoms, viral transmission, and vaccine efficacy. Moreover, this study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted seasonal influenza vaccination in the Saudi population by 1.5-times compared to the previous years. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has increased the hesitancy of Saudi participants in influenza vaccination due to the lack of knowledge. As the pandemic of COVID-19 is fading, awareness campaigns are needed to encourage the public about the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine, especially for those at high risk each year. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine, vaccine hesitancy