Importance of COVID-19 and seasonal Influenza vaccines to the adult population in the post-COVID era

Abstract Malta initially had one of the highest adult vaccine coverages for both COVID-19 and seasonal Influenza vaccines (SIV) in Europe, yet now it has one of the lowest coverages. The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes towards COVID-19 and SI vaccines, determine if the population still feels that these vaccines are relevant to protect their health and identify reasons for their responses. A cross-sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire, based on the theory of planned behaviour, targeted at adult residents in Malta, was designed on Google Forms and disseminated through social media between January-March 2024. The questions were based on the theory of Planned Behaviour. In addition to demographic information, respondents were asked about their information seeking behaviour, beliefs and attitudes, degree of agreement with protection provided by the vaccines, encouragement to take the vaccines, the influence of family and friends on vaccination, the value they place on healthcare professionals’ advice and the ease of obtaining the vaccines. A total of 555 responses were received. The majority of respondents did not take/intend to take the COVID-19 (75%, n = 417) or SI (64.3%, n = 362) vaccines, with females being less likely to do so (p = 0.033). Perceived lack of safety (40.7%) was the primary reason for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine and perceived lack of a threat from influenza (40%) was the reason for rejection the SIV. Individuals with chronic conditions were more likely to have taken/intend to take both the COVID-19 (chi-square = 11.2, df = 2, p = 0.004) and the SIV (chi-square = 10.4, df = 2, p = 0.005). In the post-pandemic era, these vaccines are not envisaged as having a major role in protecting one's health. A high degree of scepticism towards the COVID-19 vaccine in terms of safety, especially in women, is still present.