Analysis of Attitudes and Practices towards the Influenza Vaccine in High-Risk Adults in Poland

Abstract

This study aimed to understand Poles’ attitudes and beliefs towards influenza vaccinations in the flu season of 2022–2023, especially among individuals at risk of flu complications. The cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 810 respondents. The questionnaire was disseminated electronically using social media and e-mail. The majority of respondents (71%) could identify “high-risk groups” recommended for influenza vaccination, and 52.01% of respondents reported receiving influenza vaccination at some point in the past, with 32.12% receiving it in the 2022–2023 flu season and 41.09% in the 2021–2022 season. The majority of respondents declaring acceptance of the vaccine for the 2022–2023 season were in the high-risk group. Only 17.28% of respondents declared receiving both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the 2022–2023 season, with the vast majority being respondents from the “high-risk group” (p p = 0.0087). Results suggest the need for further interaction and education with healthcare providers and targeted informational efforts for at-risk groups regarding the benefits of flu vaccination.

Keywords

• vaccines
• influenza
• high-risk groups
• attitudes
• practice