2023-09-19 10:20:13
Title: Low Vaccination Rates Found Among People With Noncommunicable Diseases, Survey Reveals
Subtitle: Only 50% of individuals with NCDs have received flu vaccinations in the last two years
Vienna, September 19, 2023 – A recent survey conducted by Viatris, a global healthcare company, has shed light on the motivations and barriers surrounding flu vaccination among individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The findings highlight the need to increase vaccination rates as the flu season approaches.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza. However, vaccination coverage in Europe is still lagging behind the World Health Organization’s target of 75%.
The online survey, encompassing France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, revealed that 61% of respondents had a positive attitude towards the flu shot. Among those with NCDs who had received vaccinations in the last two years, nearly 90% expressed positivity. However, 42% of unvaccinated respondents remained neutral, with neither positive nor negative opinions on the topic.
Seasonal influenza poses significant health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children under 59 months, the elderly, people with noncommunicable diseases, and healthcare workers. Despite this, up to 50 million people in Europe are infected with influenza viruses every year. To minimize the risk of transmission, annual vaccinations are crucial for individuals of all ages and health conditions.
The survey found that the top three reasons for NCD patients deciding to get vaccinated were the recommendation of family doctors (61%), their own initiative (31%), and the desire to protect against flu due to their underlying disease (18%). Protection of relatives was also a significant motivator in countries like Italy (21%), Poland (20%), and Belgium (20%). Pharmacists’ recommendations in Italy (10%) and Portugal (11%) were also influential factors.
Further analysis revealed that while awareness of flu-related complications was widespread among individuals with NCDs, there was still a desire for education regarding the benefits of influenza vaccination. Vaccinated individuals sought information about the vaccine’s effectiveness in terms of protection against infections, duration of efficacy, risks of not being vaccinated, and possible side effects. Surprisingly, one in three unvaccinated individuals admitted to receiving no information at all.
Additionally, the survey highlighted a knowledge gap among unvaccinated individuals regarding the benefits of flu vaccination, with only 39% expressing awareness compared to 70% among vaccinated participants. However, half of the respondents expressed interest in learning more.
The most common benefit known to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with NCDs was the reduction in the severity of flu symptoms. Vaccinated individuals also recognized the advantages of preventing hospitalizations, flu illnesses, and protecting vulnerable people.
The survey emphasized that healthcare professionals’ recommendation and confidence in the effectiveness of flu vaccines played a significant role in individuals’ decision to get vaccinated. Among vaccinated individuals with NCDs, 92% expressed their likelihood of receiving the flu vaccine in the future. However, the proportion dropped significantly to 33% among unvaccinated individuals, with common reasons for not getting vaccinated being the belief that they were not susceptible to influenza (51%) and vaccine ineffectiveness (37%).
It is crucial to address the low vaccination rates among individuals with NCDs, as they are more susceptible to flu-related complications. Increased awareness, education, and proactive efforts by healthcare professionals are necessary to protect both individuals with NCDs and those around them during the upcoming flu season.
For more information about the survey, please contact:
Viatris Austria:
Christoph Hegedüs
Sales Lead Retail
+43 1 86390
[email protected]
Agency/journalist service:
Public Health PR
Michael Leitner
+43 1 602 05 30 91
[email protected]]
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