INFLUENZA VACCINATION FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ELDERLY POPULATION, A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Introduction: Influenza vaccination is the most effective method of preventing influenza infection in elderly, reducing complications, hospitalizations and mortality rates due to influenza. This study aimed to assess the frequency of influenza vaccination, attitude about the vaccine, and reasons why not getting vaccinated in individuals aged >65 years. Materials and Method: In total, 598 participants aged >65 years were enrolled in this descriptive study, and data were collected via a face-to-face survey. Results: In total, 22% of the 598 participants received the influenza vaccine. The top three reasons for not seeking vaccination were not knowing about the influenza vaccine (45.2%), feeling of no need to get vaccinated (21.2%), and not believing in the influenza vaccine's effectiveness (10.9%). Participants who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease were vaccinated more than participants who had other comorbidities. Among participants, advice from their physician was noted as an effective means for prompting vaccination (OR, 20.34; 95% CI, 10.17-40.70). Conclusion: We evaluated the reasons associated with the low influenza vaccination frequency among the elderly. Informing the elderly of the benefits of receiving the influenza vaccine should be encouraged. Communication between healthcare providers and people aged >65 years is essential for improving vaccination frequency.