# Cross-sectional study on the relationship between COVID vaccination and willingness to receive the influenza vaccine in Jeddah

## TL;DR

This study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's willingness to get the flu vaccine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how the pandemic influenced vaccine awareness and hesitancy in a specific regional context.

## Key findings

- The pandemic increased vaccination awareness, particularly for influenza.
- Hesitancy persists due to concerns about vaccine content and distrust in health recommendations.
- Healthcare workers differ from non-healthcare workers in their vaccine-related beliefs.

## Abstract

COVID-19 and influenza pose serious health risks, and vaccine hesitancy is a major global health challenge. This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced public awareness and willingness to receive the flu vaccine in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in Jeddah from October 2023 to May 2024. The survey targeted individuals aged 18 or older residing in Jeddah. Of the 487 responses, 400 met the inclusion criteria. The survey, administered in Arabic, included 20 questions on demographics, awareness, and attitudes toward vaccines. Among the participants, 72.3% were men and 54.5% were aged 18–24 years. Furthermore, 67% reported increased vaccination awareness after post-COVID-19, and 48.25% did not experience increased hesitation. Nearly all participants (94%) had heard of the influenza vaccine; however, 51.5% were unaware of its role in reducing hospitalization. Only 64% reported they would have been more likely to receive the vaccine if they had been aware of this benefit. Trust in healthcare providers’ recommendations was low. Significant associations are observed between age and awareness of the influenza vaccine, and between age and perceived adequacy of vaccine information. Healthcare workers differ significantly from non-healthcare workers in their vaccine-related beliefs. The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of vaccines, particularly for influenza. However, hesitancy persists, driven by concerns about vaccine content and distrust toward health recommendations. Addressing these concerns is crucial for improving vaccine uptake in KSA.