Knowledge, attitudes, barriers and uptake rate of influenza virus vaccine among children from 6 months to 5 years of age in Jordan: a multicentric cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Vaccination against influenza is the major primary preventive measure to reduce the major health and economic burden of influenza infections. Children aged 6 months to five years, have been identified as the highest risk group for influenza complications, therefore, it is essential to ensure a high uptake rate of influenza vaccine amongst this age group.

METHODS

A structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model was used to collect data from parents through face-to-face interview on influenza vaccine uptake among children from 6 months to 5 years of age in Jordan. It also aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards influenza vaccine for this age group.

RESULTS

477 parents completed the study questionnaire. The study revealed a low influenza vaccine uptake rate of 12.0% for the 2022/2023 influenza season. Around one fifth (19.3%) of study participants reported to ever had their child vaccinated against influenza. The study identified several factors motivating parents to get their children vaccinated; such as healthcare professional advice, higher income and history of previous severe influenza infection requiring hospitalization. On the other hand, several barriers related to influenza vaccine were identified; such as cost and concerns about the vaccine safety.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an overall low uptake of influenza vaccine amongst children in Jordan. There is a need for public health programs and more involvement of the healthcare professionals to improve the reported rates of vaccination from Jordan. This is in addition to focusing these programs on reported barriers for the influenza vaccine uptake.