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JMIR Public Health Surveill
. 2021 Feb 18.
doi: 10.2196/26734. Online ahead of print.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Uptake of Influenza Vaccine: A UK-Wide Observational Study
Patrik Bachtiger 1 , Alexander Adamson 1 , Ji-Jian Chow 1 , Rupa Sisodia 1 , Jennifer K Quint 1 , Nicholas S Peters 1
Affiliations
- PMID: 33651708
- DOI: 10.2196/26734
Abstract
Background: In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK National Health Service (NHS) flu vaccination eligibility is extended this season to ~32.4 million (48.8%) of the population. Knowing intended uptake will inform supply and public health messaging to maximise vaccination.
Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on acceptance of flu vaccination in the 2020-21 season, specifically focusing on those previously eligible who routinely decline vaccination and the newly eligible.
Methods: Intention to receive influenza vaccine in 2020-21 was asked of all registrants of the NHS's largest electronic personal health record by online questionnaire on 31st July 2020. Of those who were either newly or previously eligible but had not previously received influenza vaccination, multivariable logistic regression and network diagrams were used to examine reasons to have or decline vaccination.
Results: Among 6,641 respondents, 945 (14.2%) were previously eligible but not vaccinated, of whom 536 (56.7%) intended to receive flu vaccination in 2020/21, as did 466 (68.6%) of the newly eligible. Intention to receive the flu vaccine was associated with increased age, index of multiple deprivation (IMD) quintile, and considering oneself at high risk from Covid-19. Among those eligible but intending not to be vaccinated in 2020/21, 164 (30.2%) gave misinformed reasons. 47 (49.9%) of previously unvaccinated healthcare workers would decline vaccination in 2020/21.
Conclusions: In this sample, Covid-19 has increased acceptance of flu vaccination in those previously eligible but unvaccinated and motivates substantial uptake in the newly eligible. This study is essential for informing resource planning and the need for effective messaging campaigns to address negative misconceptions, also necessary for Covid-19 vaccination programmes.
Clinicaltrial: Not applicable.