Vaccines | Free Full-Text | Influenza Vaccination Coverage among People with Self-Reported Cardiovascular Diseases—Findings from the Hungarian Implementation of the European Health Interview Survey

Cardiovascular diseases are considered the leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 17.9 million people lose their lives to this set of diseases annually, accounting for 32% of fatalities worldwide [1]. This group of diseases includes disorders of the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and other cardiovascular conditions, which places cardiovascular diseases at the top of public health priorities [2]. In terms of transmission regarding infectious diseases, seasonal influenza spreads easily, as it is rapidly transmitted in crowded areas, including schools and nursing homes. All age groups can be affected, but some groups are more at risk than others [3]. However, morbidity and mortality due to influenza are relatively high, and, in most cases, patients are hesitant to be administered the influenza vaccine each year [4]. This may occur due to a lack of trust in the vaccine or the health care personnel, due to vaccine reactions, or due to the inconvenience of the vaccine [5,6]. People with chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, are at greater risk of severe disease or complications when infected [7]. Influenza and chronic diseases are the subject of several studies, and numerous studies explore the relationship between them [8,9,10,11,12,13]. Influenza, commonly known as viral flu, can cause severe respiratory illness and can be particularly dangerous for those already dealing with chronic conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases—such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, or immune system issues—significantly increase the risk of severe consequences from influenza. Infection caused by influenza can exacerbate these chronic conditions, potentially leading to life-threatening situations [14]. Due to the continuous evolution of influenza viruses, the most effective protection is achieved through annual vaccination. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vaccination not only reduces the severity of the disease but also decreases the likelihood of requiring intensive care in cases of influenza-related complications [8,9,11,12]. Additionally, vaccination lowers hospitalization rates for high-risk patients [9]. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the vaccination coverage rates in EU/EEA member states are inadequate, particularly among those at greater risk [15]. Increasing vaccination coverage is a key public health priority because vaccination coverage of individuals with cardiovascular and other chronic diseases is an important indicator of the country’s public health status and preparedness. Even though this is an important area, not only in the field of public health in Hungary but also worldwide, there is a knowledge gap about exactly what factors contribute to vaccine acceptance, especially among those with cardiovascular diseases.