Vaccinations against respiratory infections in Arabian Gulf countries: Barriers and motivators

Alqahtani, Amani S; Bondagji, Daniah M; Alshehari, Abdullah A; Basyouni, Mada H; Alhawassi, Tariq M; BinDhim, Nasser F; Rashid, Harunor

Influenza is a common disease in GCC countries [11, 12] , and therefore members of public especially children, elderly and people with chronic diseases are specially recommended to take the vaccine [1317] . Despite these recommendations, the vaccination rate remains low [1820] . Studies conducted to assess the influenza vaccine uptake among health care workers (HCWs) in GCC countries reveal that the decision to receive the vaccine is influenced by an individual's type of work, gender, vaccine awareness, need to protect those around and previous vaccination encounters [18, 20] , whereas, lack of awareness, uncertainty of the effectiveness of the vaccine, and fear of adverse effects are the most common barriers [21, 22] . Additionally, some individuals are misinformed that seasonal influenza vaccines are not necessary since they are young [21] . Similarly, for pneumococcal vaccine the barriers to the implementation of the vaccine arise from incomplete awareness of the benefit and safety of the vaccine as well as inadequate understanding of the seriousness of the disease among health professionals [23] . Meningococcal disease is uniquely important in GCC countries, especially in relation to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages [24] ; consequently, the GCC countries endeavour to ensure vaccination (with ACWY vaccine) of all pilgrims to Hajj and Umrah [14, 2426] . In GCC countries, pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals with preexisting diseases (e.g., sickle cell disease) and elderly adults [27, 28] , and pertussis vaccine is generally advised for HCWs and pregnant women.