Impact of COVID-19 on Influenza Virus Vaccination Coverage

Abstract

Influenza vaccination is pivotal in alleviating healthcare burdens and possibly curbing COVID-19 infections due to symptom overlap. Despite previous suboptimal vaccination rates, the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic may have impacted influenza vaccine coverage in 2020 and 2021. This quantitative analytical study of a cross-sectional nature examines influenza vaccination adherence from 2019 to 2021 at a private vaccination clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, while considering demographic variables. Socioeducational measures and government vaccination incentives seem to have played a significant role in this increase. Nonetheless, the substantial surge observed between 2019 and 2020 is likely linked to the population’s heightened COVID-19-related apprehensions.

Keywords

• influenza vaccination
• COVID-19
• vaccination adherence
• demographic variables
• pandemic impact