Awareness of the General population about Influenza Vaccine in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Increasing national influenza vaccination rates continues to be a challenge for Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the Saudi public perceptions toward seasonal influenza vaccination and their association with the rate of vaccination. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study includes the general population in Tabuk, Northern Saudi Arabia. The study includes Saudi and none Saudi who speaks Arabic or English, from any age group (18-60 years), male or female, any level of education (from primary to university or more) and low, moderate or high socioeconomic level. Results: Regarding to gender, the study showed that the largest percentage of the study members are male with a percentage of (63.3 %), while there is a percentage of (36.6%) females. According to” Received influenza vaccine” there are (63.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes) and (36.6%) of the respondents chose (No). according to” Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing influenza infection” there are (53.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes), (26.66%) of the respondents chose (No) and (20%) chose (Don’t Know). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the rate of seasonal influenza vaccination is moderate among the Saudi population, which necessitates the launching of public awareness campaigns about the importance of the seasonal influenza vaccine.