A study of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine awareness and uptake among individuals aged 65 and over in the Gozo community attending Victoria Health Centre and Gozo community clinics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study assessed awareness and uptake of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) among individuals aged 65 and over attending the Victoria Health Centre and Gozo community clinics.

METHOD: A total of 150 eligible participants, representing a diverse elderly population, were surveyed using a structured questionnaire between October and November 2024.

RESULTS: Findings revealed a low pneumococcal vaccine uptake rate of 6.76%, with lack of awareness (72.6%) identified as the primary barrier. Although healthcare professionals play a vital role in influencing vaccine decisions, mass media emerged as the leading source of vaccine information, surpassing direct physician recommendations. This study found no significant association between vaccine uptake and chronic disease status, gender, or education level, although higher education was linked to greater awareness (p= <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the need for a multifaceted public health strategy, including enhanced physician engagement, targeted awareness campaigns, improved accessibility, and educational outreach to address misconceptions. Limitations of this study included the small sample size, convenience sampling, and potential biases in self-reported responses. Strengthening public health education and physician-led interventions is critical to improving pneumococcal vaccine coverage among Gozo’s aging population.