Gamze Şanlidağ Işbilen, Serap Gençer, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Meltem Taşbakan, İftahar Köksal
Vaccination coverage remains low in Türkiye, even among high-risk groups. Although vaccination rates increased during the pandemic, greater public awareness and educational efforts are still needed.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Vaccines reduce morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases that threaten public health. Lifelong immunization programs are essential for the entire population. This study assessed adult vaccination uptake for influenza, pneumococcal, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in Türkiye and examined the barriers and factors influencing vaccination decisions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted by the Immunization Working Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. A 19-item questionnaire was administered to individuals aged 18 years or older to assess influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, healthcare worker (HCW) status, chronic diseases, vaccination history, vaccine preferences, and reasons for nonvaccination.
RESULTS: The influenza vaccination rate among all participants was 28%, with the highest rate observed among participants aged ≥65 years (49%). Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥65 years, HCW status, and the presence of a chronic disease were independently associated with influenza vaccination (p < 0.001). Pneumococcal vaccination rates were higher among individuals with chronic diseases and those aged ≥65 years (p < 0.01). Among chronic diseases, the highest vaccination rate was observed in participants with coronary artery disease. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 95%. The most common reasons for nonvaccination were the perception that influenza (39%) and pneumococcal (21%) vaccination was unnecessary, whereas unwillingness to be vaccinated (44%) and concerns about side effects (32%) predominated for COVID-19 vaccination.
CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage remains low in Türkiye, even among high-risk groups. Although vaccination rates increased during the pandemic, greater public awareness and educational efforts are still needed.