COVID-19 and influenza vaccine acceptance in the adult population in Hungary

Abstract In Hungary, childhood vaccinations in the national immunisation program are mandatory, resulting in 99% coverage. However, uptake of non-mandatory adult vaccines has been low, with only 22% of individuals aged 65 and older receiving influenza vaccine in 2022. This gap may result from a lack of health communication about non-mandatory vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic has further polarised public opinion, eroding trust in vaccines. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine confidence is crucial. This study investigates attitudes toward COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, focusing on differences in perception, the influence of misinformation, and trust in information sources. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey in May 2025, with a random sample of 1,500 adults. The questionnaire was based on the validated short form of the 7C model of vaccine readiness, supplemented with items addressing current and contextual issues. Among adults aged 60+ years, 40% reported they would have accepted a COVID-19 vaccine and 41% would have accepted an influenza vaccine in the 2024/2025 season. However, 25% and 35% of this age group, respectively, were not vaccinated despite visiting their general practitioner in the past 12 months, indicating missed opportunities for vaccination. Both vaccines’ acceptance was strongly associated with being male, older age, higher education, residence in the capital, but not other urban areas. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was also correlated with having children under 18, while influenza vaccine acceptance showed a strong association with poorer self-reported health-a relationship not observed with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. These findings suggest overlapping but distinct patterns of vaccine acceptance for COVID-19 and influenza, shaped by demographic and contextual factors. The results highlight the importance of addressing missed vaccination opportunities and developing tailored health communication strategies in the post-pandemic period.