Understanding Attitudes Toward Influenza Vaccination: Insights from a Romanian Family Medicine Patient Population.

Introduction: Influenza represents a global respiratory virus infection with significant individual and societal implications, leading to considerable economic burdens and substantial mortality rates. Vaccine hesitancy, characterized by delays or refusals despite vaccine availability, presents a growing challenge in achieving adequate vaccination rates globally.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the attitudes of Romanian general practitioners' patients toward influenza vaccination during the recommended immunization period.

Materials and methods: A prospective multi-centered study involving 319 patients across five Family Medicine Offices in Romania was conducted. Participants completed a 12-item Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale, assessing factors influencing vaccine acceptance. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of demographic variables and attitudes toward vaccination.

Results: The study revealed significant variations in attitudes influencing influenza vaccine acceptance. Trust in vaccine benefits and confidence in natural immunity emerged as primary motivators for vaccine acceptance/denial, whereas concerns about commercial profiteering held lesser importance. Gender and residential environment impacted specific attitudes toward vaccination, while factors such as education and employment status did not significantly influence vaccine acceptance.

Discussion: The study underscores the critical role of trust in vaccine benefits as a primary driver for vaccine acceptance, diverging from prevalent conspiracy theories. While gender and residential environment influenced attitudes toward vaccination, education and employment status did not exhibit significant correlations with vaccine acceptance.

Conclusions: Understanding public attitudes toward vaccination is crucial in designing effective public health strategies. This study emphasizes the importance of trust in vaccine benefits in driving vaccine acceptance, offering insights to enhance vaccination initiatives regionally.