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

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.