Stefan Reinders1, Candice Romero2, Cesar Carcamo1, Yeny Tinoco2, Maria Valderrama1, Sayda La Rosa1, Patricia Mallma1, Joan Neyra2, Giselle Soto2, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner3, Patricia J Garcia4. 1. Epidemiology, STD and HIV Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. 2. U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Peru. 3. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States. 4. Epidemiology, STD and HIV Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. Electronic address: patricia.garcia@upch.pe.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although Peru provides safe and effective influenza vaccines free-of-charge, coverage among vaccine target groups like pregnant women and older adults remains low. To improve risk communication messages and vaccine uptake, we explored knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination. METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based survey with a three-stage cluster sampling design was conducted in three cities in Peru. We included mothers of young children, pregnant women and persons ≥65 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination against influenza during the past year. Generalized linear models were used to explore factors associated with vaccination in the past year. RESULTS: 624/645 (97%) mothers, 54/55 (98%) pregnant women and 622/673 (92%) older adults approached provided informed consent and were surveyed. While most mothers, pregnant women and older adults (94%, 96% and 91%, respectively) perceived influenza as a potentially serious illness, few pregnant women (13%) and older adults (34%) self-identified themselves as a target group for influenza vaccination. Only 28% of mothers, 19% pregnant women, and 27% older adults were vaccinated against influenza during the previous year. Among the participants that did not get vaccinated against influenza in the previous year, "being afraid of vaccination and its effects" was the most commonly cited barrier. Knowledge of the recommendation for annual vaccination was significantly associated with vaccination status among pregnant women (p = 0.048) and older adults (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Despite a government subsidized vaccine program, vaccine utilization remained low among pregnant women and older adults, who seemed typically unaware of their status as high-risk groups targeted for vaccination. Those aware of the recommendations for annual vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. Information campaigns addressing fears and highlighting populations at risk for severe influenza illness that are targeted for vaccination might increase vaccine coverage in Peru.
BACKGROUND: Although Peru provides safe and effective influenza vaccines free-of-charge, coverage among vaccine target groups like pregnant women and older adults remains low. To improve risk communication messages and vaccine uptake, we explored knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination. METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based survey with a three-stage cluster sampling design was conducted in three cities in Peru. We included mothers of young children, pregnant women and persons ≥65 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination against influenza during the past year. Generalized linear models were used to explore factors associated with vaccination in the past year. RESULTS: 624/645 (97%) mothers, 54/55 (98%) pregnant women and 622/673 (92%) older adults approached provided informed consent and were surveyed. While most mothers, pregnant women and older adults (94%, 96% and 91%, respectively) perceived influenza as a potentially serious illness, few pregnant women (13%) and older adults (34%) self-identified themselves as a target group for influenza vaccination. Only 28% of mothers, 19% pregnant women, and 27% older adults were vaccinated against influenza during the previous year. Among the participants that did not get vaccinated against influenza in the previous year, "being afraid of vaccination and its effects" was the most commonly cited barrier. Knowledge of the recommendation for annual vaccination was significantly associated with vaccination status among pregnant women (p = 0.048) and older adults (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Despite a government subsidized vaccine program, vaccine utilization remained low among pregnant women and older adults, who seemed typically unaware of their status as high-risk groups targeted for vaccination. Those aware of the recommendations for annual vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. Information campaigns addressing fears and highlighting populations at risk for severe influenza illness that are targeted for vaccination might increase vaccine coverage in Peru.
Authors: Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner; Lindsey M Duca; Rosalba González; Arlene Calvo; S Cornelia Kaydos-Daniels; Natalie Olson; Adam MacNeil; Vic Veguilla; Rhina Domínguez; Andrea Vicari; Rafael Rauda; Nga Vuong; Alba María Ropero; Julio Armero; Rachael Porter; Danilo Franco; Juan Miguel Pascale Journal: Lancet Reg Health Am Date: 2022-09
Authors: Grazia Miraglia Del Giudice; Lucio Folcarelli; Annalisa Napoli; Francesco Corea; Italo Francesco Angelillo Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-10-03