Knowledge and Attitude of Older Adults Toward Getting the Seasonal Flu and the Novel COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Public adherence to preventive measures, including flu vaccination, can lower complications from the disease and ultimately conserve health care resources This study investigated the factors associated with older adults' attitudes toward receiving the flu and the new COVID-19 vaccines, and the efficacy of an educational handout Methods: A cross sectional study targeting older adults (≥ 65 years) presenting to the Senior Health clinic at MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, for their appointments, during the flu vaccination campaign from October 2020 to February 2021 Targeted participants (n=400) filled an anonymous questionnaire that included their attitudes toward receiving both vaccines and the reasons for their decisions Those who declined or were uncertain about getting the flu vaccine were given an educational handout summarizing the CDC recommendations for flu vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic They were called in 4 weeks to inquire if they had reconsidered receiving it Results: 72% of patients received or were planning to receive the flu shot This is concordant with data from previous season Among the identified factors for not receiving the vaccine, 90% never get their flu shot, 84% lacked knowledge of its necessity, while 68% think that the current preventive measures will protect them against both viruses Only 6% attributed their hesitancy to co-existing COVID-19 virus At 4 weeks follow up call, 20% reconsidered taking the flu vaccine Moreover, only 13% of all participants considered receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available Whereas, the majority (75%) were uncertain about getting it Among them, 77% chose to watchfully wait, others had concerns of side effects (11%) or preferred to discuss it with their doctors (12%) Of those against the vaccine, 90% were dubious about its production Conclusion: The majority of patients queried were knowledgeable about the importance of the flu vaccination However, data showed concerning hesitancy about receiving the novel COVID-19 vaccine The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to influence their decisions to receive both vaccines Overall, our intervention was 8% effective in changing patients' choices to get the flu vaccine More comprehensive health education strategies are needed to target this particularly vulnerable population