OLA A BDAIR, IZZEDDİN A BDAIR, ESRAA GOGAZEH, OLA AL FAWARES, MAYSA ALWADI, RAWAN BADAINEH, FATİMA AL TARAWNEH
Turkish Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - 2023;20(5):310-317
Objectives: Influenza is a frequent infectious disease that can be prevented and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The most economical way to prevent influenza is through vaccination, although this method is not widely used. This study aimed to assess the seasonal influenza vaccination rates and the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian adults with chronic illnesses toward the influenza vaccine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. A 26-item online survey was used to gather data about patients’ knowledge of and attitudes toward the influenza vaccine as well as their status as influenza vaccine recipients. Results: A total of 19% of the 564 study participants received an influenza vaccination. Most (81%) of individuals reported inconsistent vaccination uptake. The most important factor affecting vaccination is the belief that the flu is not a threat (39%) and that their doctors did not advise them about the vaccination (32%). Participants with no health insurance and those with public insurance had a lower level of vaccination than those with private insurance (p= 0.008). Conclusion: The adult population of Jordan with chronic diseases has subpar immunization rates. What is also revealed is a blatant misunderstanding about the value of routine influenza vaccination. These findings emphasize how urgently the public needs to be made aware of the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine.
