Evaluating Awareness and Acceptance of Pneumococcal Vaccination for Pneumonia Prevention in Al-Ahsa

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major health problem worldwide. Vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, but their effectiveness depends on public awareness and acceptance. In Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, limited evidence exists regarding adults’ awareness and acceptance of pneumococcal vaccination.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and older in Al-Ahsa. A total of 305 participants were recruited through online and in-person convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, prevalidated questionnaire covering demographics, awareness, attitudes, and vaccine uptake and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used.Results: Most participants (68.5%) had poor overall awareness of pneumococcal disease and vaccination. Only 3.6% had ever received the pneumococcal vaccine. The most common reason for not receiving the vaccine was lack of awareness (66.8%), followed by waiting for a doctor’s recommendation (26.1%). Healthcare workers had significantly higher awareness (64.9%) and vaccine uptake (10.8%) than other occupational groups. Nearly half (48.5%) would consider vaccination if recommended by a doctor, and 77.0% were interested in receiving more information, with healthcare staff being the most preferred source.Conclusion: Awareness and uptake of pneumococcal vaccination among adults in Al-Ahsa were very low, despite their willingness to receive vaccination if recommended by a healthcare provider. Lack of awareness and absence of physician recommendation were the main barriers. Healthcare providers should actively discuss and recommend pneumococcal vaccination, particularly for at-risk adults.