Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and perceptions of flu vaccines among community members in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and December 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, enrolling 400 randomly chosen adults. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire that addressed participants’ socioeconomic characteristics, their knowledge of influenza, and the factors influencing their acceptance or refusal of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Results: This study surveyed 400 participants regarding their vaccination history and knowledge. Over 80% of participants reported awareness of the influenza virus. Approximately 65% of individuals with chronic diseases and those without had been vaccinated at some point, with 41.2% receiving the vaccine in the current year. However, only 34.9% expressed a commitment to annual vaccination. The primary motivations for vaccination were self-protection (46.3%) and symptom reduction (37.9%). The most commonly cited barriers to vaccination were concerns about effectiveness (21.8%) and safety (28.2%).
Conclusion: Despite widespread awareness of influenza and flu vaccines, their practical uptake remains limited. Efforts to improve vaccination rates should prioritize targeted educational campaigns that provide accurate information on the vaccine’s benefits, safety, the importance of annual immunization, and potential complications, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with long term illnesses.

Key words: Awareness, vaccine uptake, influenza vaccine, knowledge, Saudi Arabia