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Influenza Vaccination Among Australian Hajj Pilgrims: Uptake, Attitudes, and Barriers
METHODS: Using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, surveys were conducted in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, among Hajj pilgrims from Australia in 2011 and 2012. Pilgrims staying in "Australian" tents were recruited serially.
RESULTS: In 2011, 431 Australian pilgrims completed the survey-median age was 42 (range 7-86) years, 55% were male; 65% reported receiving influenza vaccine. In 2012, 535 pilgrims of median age 43 (range 12-83) years completed the survey, 62% were male; 89% reported receiving the vaccine. Both in 2011 and 2012, common reasons for not receiving the vaccine were the pilgrims' reliance on their "natural immunity" (33 and 26%, respectively, p = 0.4) and believing that they would rarely catch influenza or come in contact with influenza patients (18 and 29%, respectively, p = 0.1). In 2012, when asked why they had received the vaccine, 65% pilgrims responded that it was because of the tour group leaders' recommendation.
CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccine uptake among Australian Hajj pilgrims seems satisfactory and increasing but could be better because many pilgrims have misconceptions about vaccines. Tour operators may play a greater role in promoting vaccination.
History
Publication title
Journal of Travel MedicineVolume
21Issue
6Pagination
384-390ISSN
1195-1982Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.Place of publication
United StatesRights statement
Copyright 2014 International Society of Travel MedicineRepository Status
- Restricted