Flu Vaccination Among Patients with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Survey About Awareness, Usage, Gaps and Barriers in Europe.

Abstract

Purpose: People with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have a high risk of contracting flu and suffering from its associated complications; however, in many countries flu vaccine uptake in this group is sub-optimal. This survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and gaps toward vaccination in general and flu in particular among adults with NCDs in Europe.

Patients and methods: The survey was conducted in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. A structured web-based questionnaire was administered to the subjects.

Results: In total, 1106 subjects were enrolled, with 61% aged between 41 and 60 years. The main reasons for getting vaccinated were disease prevention and healthcare practitioner recommendations. Protection against infection and the risks of not receiving a vaccination was the most common vaccine information received, followed by information about possible side effects, duration of protection, and need for a booster dose. In the unvaccinated group, there was a lack of belief in the need for a flu vaccine, with a lack of recommendation from treating practitioners, and the experience of mild severity of flu being the main barriers against the vaccine. The physician remained the most preferred and tapped resource for information followed by dedicated websites. Understanding of flu vaccine benefits was particularly widespread among vaccinated patients, yet >50% wanted to know more about them. There was less clarity of the benefits of flu vaccine among unvaccinated patients; however, approximately 50% of them wanted to know more about it. Between January 2021 and December 2022, about 30% and 36% of the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, respectively, reported having suffered from flu.

Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners are the key influencers for people to get vaccinated. The dissemination of information about the importance of flu vaccines needs to be increased, and clear and explanatory messaging based on country-specific characteristics is important.