Public knowledge on influenza and influenza vaccines

Abstract

Introduction and purpose. Influenza is the most common infectious disease reported in Poland. It is caused by a virus, which is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Vaccines are prime and most effective way to prevent the disease and its complications, but only 4,15 Polish people are vaccinated against influenza, which ranks Poland on one of the last places in Europe.

Material and method. The aim of the study was evaluation of public knowledge about influenza and influenza vaccines.

Results. The majority of respondents have basic knowledge about influenza, still most of them (almost 70%) have never been vaccinated against the flu. The main reason of that situation is their confidence about their good health and lack of necessity to get a vaccine. 92% of people points fever as the main symptom of influenza. Some people confuse symptoms of the flu with those of a cold of Covid-19 infection. More than 23% of people does not believe in the efficiency of the vaccine. Lack of sufficient knowledge about that issue is mentioned by 15% of the respondents. Polish people describe their knowledge in the middle of the 5-point scale, while most of them never learned about it.

Conclusions. Still too few people in Poland decide to take a vaccine against influenza especially in age group below 65 years old. Reliable education should be of great importance for everyone, especially  teachers and healthcare workers. Covid-19 had an impact on the number of people who decided to get the vaccine in 2020.