COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccination awareness and uptake in geriatric patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: Respiratory tract infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of vaccination against preventable respiratory diseases in elderly individuals. This study aimed to assess awareness levels, vaccination rates, and factors influencing vaccine acceptance for COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines among individuals aged ≥65 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 08, 2025, and February 28, 2025, involving patients aged ≥65 years who presented to the hospital for any reason. Structured interviews assessed vaccination history and awareness levels. Unvaccinated participants received standardized educational information about vaccine benefits and risks, followed by assessment of vaccination willingness. Demographic characteristics, educational level, and reasons for vaccine hesitancy were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v30.0, with Chi-square tests for categorical variables and p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 168 participants (mean age 71.9±6.3 years, 52.4% female), vaccination rates were 96.4% for COVID-19, 59.5% for influenza (past year), and 14.9% for pneumococcal vaccine (past five years). Primary reasons for non-vaccination included lack of risk group awareness for pneumococcal (62.0%) and influenza vaccines (39.4%), while perceived vaccine inefficacy dominated COVID-19 hesitancy (85.7%). However, the COVID-19 unvaccinated subgroup was very small (n=6), limiting the robustness of statistical analysis for this vaccine. Higher educational level significantly correlated with influenza (p=0.032) and pneumococcal vaccination (p=0.018). Post-education, willingness to be vaccinated increased substantially: influenza 64.1%, pneumococcal 74.2%, and COVID-19 100%. It should be noted that this study measured vaccination intention rather than actual vaccine uptake. Conclusion: Significant disparities exist in vaccination awareness and uptake across different vaccines in the geriatric population. However, as a single-center study focusing only on hospital-attending elderly adults, the generalizability of findings may be limited. Targeted educational interventions demonstrate substantial potential for improving vaccine acceptance intention. These findings highlight the need for healthcare provider-led education programs and policy initiatives to address knowledge gaps and enhance preventive care in this high-risk population.