Covid-19 pandemic impact on seasonal flu vaccination: A cross-sectional study

Kopsidas, I.; Chorianopoulou, E.; Kourkouni, E.; Triantafyllou, C.; Molocha, N. M.; Koniordou, M.; Maistreli, S.; Tsopela, C. G.; Maroudi-Manta, S.; Filippou, D.; Zaoutis, T. E.; Kourlaba, G.

INTRODUCTION Vaccination against the flu is the best method for the prevention of illness by influenza viruses. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the seasonal influenza vaccination attitudes in Greece and to identify factors associated with a positive change in participants’ choice to vaccinate against the flu. METHODS This is a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional nationwide survey (n=1004) that was conducted between 28 April and 3 May 2020 using a mixed methodology for data collection: computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) and computer assisted web interviewing (CAWI). Sampling followed a proportionate, stratified by region, systematic procedure to ensure a nationally representative sample of the urban/rural population. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of four parts: 1) demographics;2) knowledge about COVID-19;3) attitudes toward COVID-19;and 4) practices to control COVID-19 and vaccination against the flu. RESULTS Of the respondents, 66.3% (n=665) had not been vaccinated for seasonal influenza during the 2019–2020 season, the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, of those, 21.8% showed willingness to receive the vaccine (n=145) the upcoming flu season 2020–2021. Factors independently associated with increased intention to vaccinate in those that had not been vaccinated the previous flu season included: age ≥65 years;the belief that vaccination against the flu is considered preventive against the spread of the coronavirus;not believing that coronavirus was man-made in a laboratory;and not believing that the pandemic will end once a large percentage of the population is infected. CONCLUSIONS Factors that shift public opinion in favor of seasonal flu vaccination can be utilized to design effective strategies to increase vaccination uptake. © 2021 Kopsidas I. et al.