Knowledge of, Attitudes toward, Barriers to, and Uptake Rate of Influenza Virus Vaccine among Adults Aged ≥65 Years in Jordan: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

Seasonal influenza significantly impacts global health, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly. People aged ≥65 years have the highest morbidity and mortality due to influenza infections. Despite international recommendations, influenza vaccine-uptake rates remain low in many regions worldwide. In Jordan, data on influenza vaccine uptake in people aged ≥65 years is lacking. This study aimed to assess vaccination rates, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers among the elderly in Jordan.

METHODS

This national cross-sectional study included 455 adults aged ≥65 years living at representative sites in Jordan in Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, and Karak. The study questionnaire was based on the health belief model and included data on demographics, influenza vaccination history, and knowledge of, attitudes toward, perceptions of, and barriers to influenza vaccine uptake.

RESULTS

Only 11.4% of participants received the influenza vaccine in the 2022-2023 season, while 30.1% had ever been vaccinated. Rural residents, higher-income groups, and those insured by private institutions demonstrated higher vaccination rates of 14% and 15.4%, respectively (<0.05). Barriers to being vaccinated included perceived low susceptibility (43.7%), concerns about adverse effects (52.7%), and lack of social network recommendations (38.9%). Positive predictors included trust in vaccination guidelines, higher perceived risk, and health-care provider advice (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Influenza vaccination rates among older adults in Jordan are low compared to regional and international data. Interventions tailored to address barriers are needed to improve awareness, accessibility, and trust to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality.