Prevalence of seasonal Influenza vaccination among Tunisian elderly

• Published in: European journal of public health 2020-09, Vol.30 (Supplement_5)
• Main Authors: Kharroubi, G, Cherif, I, Bouabid, L, Gharbi, A, Boukthir, A, McCarron, M, Ben Alaya, N, Ben Salah, A, Bettaieb, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitudes; Chi-square test; Chronic illnesses; Cross-sectional studies; Disease; Health care facilities; Immunization; Influenza; Older people; Public health; Risk groups; Safety; Statistical tests; Vaccination; Vaccines
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1436

Abstract Background Surveys to determine the uptake of influenza vaccine (IV) among the at-risk groups are required to evaluate the advancement of national vaccination strategies and the level of awareness in the surveyed population. In this context, the present study aimed to estimate influenza vaccination uptake in elderly in Tunisia during 2018-2019 influenza season and to assess their perceptions toward influenza and IV. Methods It was a national cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in primary and secondary health care facilities, among persons aged 60 years and over with chronic disease. Data were collected using a standard administered questionnaire including questions about IV uptake, general knowledge and attitudes about influenza and IV. Perceptions of participants toward general statements about influenza and IV were compared by vaccination status using chi square test. Results In total, 1191 older persons were included. Nearly one third of participants (34.8% [32.2-37.6]) were vaccinated at least once at the past and 19.4% [17.1-21.9] received the vaccine during 2018-2019 influenza season. Compared to unvaccinated elderly, vaccinated persons were significantly more convinced that influenza is more dangerous for elderly people (90.0% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.008), that IV is recommended for older persons (88.7% vs. 70.1%, p