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

Key words: Gulf Cooperation Council; Influenza; Meningococcal vaccine; Motivators and barriers; Pertussis vaccine; Pneumococcal vaccine; Respiratory infections Core tip: Like many other parts of the world, the uptake of the adult vaccinations against respiratory infections in Arabian Gulf countries remains unknown. This area hosts the world's largest annual mass gathering (Hajj pilgrimage) which increases the risk of global dissemination of infectious diseases, particularly, respiratory infections. The coverage rate of the vaccinations against respiratory infections among the public in gulf cooperation council countries was low when compared to that in developed countries. Physicians could play a significant role in enhancing vaccine uptake, and their advice was the principal motivator among our participants.