Influenza Vaccination During COVID-19 in a Rural Community: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Vaccination behavior is crucial for monitoring influenza seasons.
• The 2020-2021 flu season occurred concurrently with the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting public health behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate flu vaccine behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess perceptions and behaviors related to both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional descriptive study design.
• Online survey distributed via the Epic electronic medical record system to patients in an academic internal medicine practice.
• Assessed vaccination status, future intentions, and reasons for vaccine decisions.

Main Results:

• 88.3% of respondents received the flu vaccine by early 2021.
• 12.5% altered their flu vaccine plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Concerns about side effects and priority group status were primary barriers to vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Flu vaccination behavior showed a net positive trend towards vaccine acceptance during the pandemic.
• Understanding vaccine perceptions and barriers is vital for future vaccination program success.
• The study provides insights into patient behavior during a dual public health crisis.