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18 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Belarusian Healthcare Professionals’ Views on Monkeypox and Vaccine Hesitancy

by Abanoub Riad, Nadzeya Rybakova, Nadzeya Dubatouka, Ina Zankevich, Miloslav Klugar, Michal Koščík and Anton Drobov

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081368 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Background: Despite the low transmission risk of Monkeypox (mpox) in Belarus, this study is vital as it contributes to our understanding of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals (HCPs). It aims to assess vaccination perceptions and evaluate the willingness to pay for the vaccine [...] Read more.

Background: Despite the low transmission risk of Monkeypox (mpox) in Belarus, this study is vital as it contributes to our understanding of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals (HCPs). It aims to assess vaccination perceptions and evaluate the willingness to pay for the vaccine among Belarusian HCPs, thereby enhancing pandemic preparedness. Methods: in October 2022, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among Belarusian HCPs using a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). Invitations were disseminated via social media platforms using a snowball sampling method. The SAQ encompassed various categories, including sociodemographic details, medical history, sources of mpox information, perceived and factual mpox knowledge, and perceptions of the mpox vaccine according to the health belief model (HBM), mpox vaccine acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP). Results: while a large proportion of respondents had good knowledge of mpox epidemiology and its clinical manifestations, their awareness of available vaccines and treatment options was limited. Consequently, a significant correlation was found between the history of influenza vaccination and mpox-related knowledge. Furthermore, the study showed that just over half of the participants (51.4%) were willing to receive the mpox vaccine if offered for free, safely, and effectively, with their decision largely influenced by perceived benefits (Spearman’s rho = 0.451) and cues to action (Spearman’s rho = 0.349). However, a considerable degree of hesitancy (30.6%) and resistance (18.1%) towards the mpox vaccine was observed, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these issues. Conclusions: this study highlights a significant knowledge gap among Belarusian HCPs about mpox vaccines and treatments, despite a general awareness of the disease’s epidemiology and symptoms, and it underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance mpox knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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16 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Dose: Knowledge, Practices, and Intention among Pregnant/Planning to Get Pregnant and Lactating Women

by Walid Al-Qerem, Anan Jarab, Yara Shawabkeh, Jonathan Ling, Alaa Hammad, Badi’ah Alazab and Fawaz Alasmari

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071249 - 17 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, booster dose against COVID-19 was recommended for this special population in Jordan. However, vaccine hesitancy/refusal remains the main obstacle to providing immunity against the spread of COVID-19. Thus, the aim of [...] Read more.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, booster dose against COVID-19 was recommended for this special population in Jordan. However, vaccine hesitancy/refusal remains the main obstacle to providing immunity against the spread of COVID-19. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the intention of pregnant/planning to get pregnant and lactating women towards receiving a booster dose against COVID-19 and its associated factors. A questionnaire was given to Jordanian pregnant/planning to get pregnant and lactating females. A total of 695 females were enrolled in the study. Older age, having a chronic disease, high education, high income, and high perceived risk of COVID-19 were significantly associated with higher knowledge about COVID-19. High perceived risk of COVID-19 was significantly associated with better practice. Participants who anticipated they might contract COVID-19 in the next six months, had high perceived risk of COVID-19, had high knowledge, had received the COVID-19 vaccine based on conviction, and smokers had higher intention to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. In order to increase pregnant and lactating women’s intention to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, public health organizations should consider developing comprehensive health education campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

15 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Influenza Vaccination among Parents of Children with Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Walid Al-Qerem, Anan Jarab, Alaa Hammad, Fawaz Alasmari, Jonathan Ling, Enas Al-Zayadneh, Montaha Al-Iede, Badi’ah Alazab and Leen Hajeer

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061074 - 07 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2209

Abstract

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Exacerbation is a significant problem for asthmatic patients, and viral infections remain the most frequent triggers of asthma exacerbations. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents of asthmatic children towards providing [...] Read more.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Exacerbation is a significant problem for asthmatic patients, and viral infections remain the most frequent triggers of asthma exacerbations. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents of asthmatic children towards providing influenza vaccine to their children. This cross-sectional study enrolled parents of asthmatic children who visited the outpatient respiratory clinics of two Jordanian hospitals. The present study enrolled 667 parents of asthmatic children (62.8% female). The median age of the participants’ children was 7 years. The results showed that 60.4% of the children with asthma never received a flu vaccine. Most of those who had received the flu vaccine reported that the side effects were mild (62.7%). Asthma duration was positively and significantly associated with increased vaccine hesitancy/rejection (OR = 1.093, 95% CI = (1.004–1.190), p = 0.04; and OR = 1.092, 95% CI = (1.002–1.189), p = 0.044, respectively). As the attitude towards flu vaccine score increases, odds of vaccination hesitancy/rejection decreased (OR = 0.735, 95% CI = (0.676–0.800), p < 0.001; and OR = 0.571, 95% CI = (0.514–0.634), p < 0.001, respectively). The main reasons for vaccination hesitancy/refusal included “I don’t think my child needs it” (22.3%) followed by “I forget it” (19.5%). The rate of vaccination among children was low and emphasized the necessity of encouraging parents with asthmatic children to vaccinate their children by conducting health awareness campaigns and also emphasized the role of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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25 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scale Development for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy by Integration of Socio-Demographic and Psychological Factors

by Eliza Sharma, Subhra Mondal, Subhankar Das and Vasiliki G. Vrana

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061052 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

Vaccination is the most cost-effective way to maintain population health. However, it can only be effective if widespread acceptance is held. The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines depends on their favor. When countries start to vaccinate their citizens, there is a certain level of [...] Read more.

Vaccination is the most cost-effective way to maintain population health. However, it can only be effective if widespread acceptance is held. The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines depends on their favor. When countries start to vaccinate their citizens, there is a certain level of skepticism about the effectiveness of the vaccines. The hesitancy study on vaccines has gained momentum following the pandemic. However, few studies have examined the link between the psychological and sociodemographic factors influencing the fit. This paper proposes integrating the concepts of the information systems success and stimulus–organism–response into a cognitive fit theory framework to explore the integration of psychological and sociodemographic factors in the receivers’ reactions (n = 1510). This study analyses the factors that influence the hesitancy of vaccines and the public’s refusal in Asia and Europe. Receivers’ reactions were assessed to various stimuli and we explored the link between psychological and sociodemographic elements and the concept of fit. Two surveys were conducted following the scale development of Mackenzie. The first was to develop the fit scale, while the second was to validate the fit scale. The results of the second survey were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that the scale’s fit development is valid and reliable. The quality of the vaccine information, the psychological characteristics of the vaccine system, and vaccine receivers’ satisfaction are also beneficial factors for emotional and cognitive fit. Maintaining the vaccines’ quality and efficiency can help improve the fit between sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. It can also enhance receivers’ satisfaction and encourage continued vaccine administration. This study is regarded as one of the first to examine and develop an emotional and cognitive fit scale for practitioners and researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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9 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes and Beliefs towards Rotavirus Vaccination in a Sample of Italian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Giuseppe Di Martino, Riccardo Mazzocca, Laura Camplone, Fabrizio Cedrone, Pamela Di Giovanni and Tommaso Staniscia

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061041 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692

Abstract

(1) Background: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. Despite the proven benefits of vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal remains a significant barrier to achieving high vaccination coverage in many countries, such as Italy. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. Despite the proven benefits of vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal remains a significant barrier to achieving high vaccination coverage in many countries, such as Italy. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted among women aged between 18 and 50 years from Abruzzo Region, Italy. The survey was composed of two main sections: demographic characteristics and attitudes and knowledge about rotavirus vaccination, based on a five-point Likert scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with willingness to get the rotavirus vaccination. (3) Results: A total of 414 women were enrolled in the study. Women who were unaware of rotavirus more frequently had a lower education level (university degree 62.5% vs. 78.7%, p = 0.004) and reported having no children (p < 0.001). About half of the enrolled women thought that rotavirus infection is dangerous (190, 55.6%) and that rotavirus can cause a serious illness (201, 58.8%). Regarding associated factors, women informed by a physician were more likely get a vaccination compared to women informed by friends or relatives (OR 34.35, 95% CI 7.12–98.98, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The present study showed low levels of knowledge and attitudes towards rotavirus vaccination. These results highlight the need for developing and improving additional public education programs for parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

12 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Views and Perceptions of People Aged 55+ on the Vaccination Programme for Older Adults in the UK: A Qualitative Study

by Taru Silvonen, Jo Kesten, Christie Cabral, Jo Coast, Yoav Ben-Shlomo and Hannah Christensen

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040870 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1729

Abstract

Vaccination reduces the risks related to infectious disease, especially among more vulnerable groups, such as older adults. The vaccines available to older adults in the UK through the government-funded programme currently include influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of the programme [...] Read more.

Vaccination reduces the risks related to infectious disease, especially among more vulnerable groups, such as older adults. The vaccines available to older adults in the UK through the government-funded programme currently include influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of the programme is disease prevention and improving wellbeing among the ageing population. Yet, the target population’s views of the programme remain unknown. This paper aims to increase the understanding of older adults’ perceptions of the vaccination programme available in the UK. A total of 13 online focus groups (56 informants) were carried out for this qualitative study. The findings indicate that getting vaccinated involves personal decision-making processes, which are influenced by previous experiences and interpersonal interactions. Factors related to the wider community and culture are less prominent in explaining vaccination decisions. However, opportunistic vaccination offers, a lack of information and a lack of opportunities to discuss vaccines, especially with healthcare professionals, are prominent factors. The study provides in-depth data about the rationale behind older adults’ vaccination decisions in the UK. We recommend that the provision of information and opportunities to discuss vaccines and infectious disease be improved to enable older adults’ to make better informed decisions regarding the vaccines available to them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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15 pages, 1062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Vaccine Literacy, Health Beliefs, and Flu Vaccination on Perceived Physical Health Status among Under/Graduate Students

by En-Jung Shon and Lena Lee

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040765 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1765

Abstract

Physicians highlight that receiving the flu vaccine is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Younger groups’ flu vaccination coverage is very low, and this tendency is potentially related to a lower level of vaccine literacy and perceptions toward vaccination. This study investigated [...] Read more.

Physicians highlight that receiving the flu vaccine is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Younger groups’ flu vaccination coverage is very low, and this tendency is potentially related to a lower level of vaccine literacy and perceptions toward vaccination. This study investigated the relationship between flu vaccine literacy, health beliefs, and flu vaccinations (benefit, barrier, severity, and susceptibility) and their impact on perceived health status controlling for socioeconomic factors. It used the Health Belief Model andHealth Literacy Skills Framework with under/graduate students (N = 382) in Ohio, U.S. Path analyses were performed to examine the causal process using SPSS and Amos 23.0. Indicators of CFI, RMSEA, SRMR, and the chi-square/df of the path models were good–acceptable. Vaccine literacy directly impacted on health beliefs and vaccination. Susceptibility belief directly influenced perceived health status. The mediation effects of health beliefs (benefit, barrier) between vaccine literacy and vaccination were confirmed. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers and governments to work together to improve flu vaccine literacy and reduce negative perceptions toward vaccination among younger populations. Educational programs and official communication channels can be used to address concerns and provide accurate information about vaccines to increase flu vaccination rates and protect public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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11 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surviving COVID-19: Biopsychosocial Impacts, Death Anxiety, and Coping Strategies

by Amina Muazzam, Faiqa Naseem, Muneeba Shakil, Anna Visvizi and Jolanta Klemens

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030705 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, attempts to contain the spread of the virus took two concurrent forms, including mobility restrictions (aka lockdowns) and the race to produce a vaccine. However, it is quite striking that, amidst both the lockdown and the race to [...] Read more.

As the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, attempts to contain the spread of the virus took two concurrent forms, including mobility restrictions (aka lockdowns) and the race to produce a vaccine. However, it is quite striking that, amidst both the lockdown and the race to produce a vaccine, the question of how COVID-19 survivors/patients coped with the disease has not received the degree of attention it deserved. To navigate this issue, we employed a sample consisting of 100 COVID-19 survivors; this paper explores the relationship between the biopsychosocial (BPS) impacts of COVID-19, death anxiety, and coping strategies. In this context, the mediating role of death anxiety is placed in the spotlight. The analysis reveals a significant positive association between the BPS impact of COVID-19 and death anxiety and a significant negative association between death anxiety and coping strategies among COVID-19 survivors. Thus, death anxiety mediates the relationship between the BPS impact and the coping strategies that COVID-19 survivors adopt. Given the general recognition of the validity of the BPS model in contemporary medical science and practice, a thorough examination of COVID-19 survivors and their experiences related to surviving is necessary to match the challenges of today, including the increased probability of pandemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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13 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Not All Conservatives Are Vaccine Hesitant: Examining the Influence of Misinformation Exposure, Political Ideology, and Flu Vaccine Acceptance on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

by Muhammad Ehab Rasul and Saifuddin Ahmed

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030586 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2167

Abstract

Despite the mass availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, many Americans are still reluctant to take a vaccine as an outcome from exposure to misinformation. Additionally, while scholars have paid attention to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, the influence of general vaccine hesitancy [...] Read more.

Despite the mass availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, many Americans are still reluctant to take a vaccine as an outcome from exposure to misinformation. Additionally, while scholars have paid attention to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, the influence of general vaccine hesitancy for important viruses such as the flu has largely been ignored. Using nationally representative data from Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel survey (Wave 79), this study examined the relationship between perceived misinformation exposure, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, flu vaccine acceptance, political ideology, and demographic trends. The findings suggest that those who accepted the flu vaccine were less likely to be COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant. In addition, moderation analyses showed that perceived misinformation exposure increases COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for conservatives and moderates but not for liberals. However, perceived misinformation exposure influences COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among conservatives only if they are also flu vaccine-hesitant. Perceived misinformation exposure has no role in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy if individuals (irrespective of political ideology) are regular with their flu vaccine. The results suggest that the effect of misinformation exposure on negative attitudes toward COVID-19 may be associated with generalized vaccine hesitancy (e.g., flu). The practical and theoretical implications are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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14 pages, 1154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy for Children and Its Influencing Factors: A Riyadh-Based Cross-Sectional Study

by Mansour Almuqbil, Rama Al-Asmi, Samar AlRamly, Noor Hijazi, Hailah Alotaibi, Ashwaq AlMubarak, Kholoud AlAnezi, Maha Al-Rowaili, Mohammed Al-Yamani, Badr Sami Duwaidi, Dalal Rahil Alshammari, Abdullah Mohammad Alabdulsalam, Jamelah Abdualrhman Almutairi, Fayez Mohammad Alasmari and Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030518 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

It is well known that vaccination is the best clinical approach for successfully controlling COVID-19 infection. Understanding the disparities in COVID-19 vaccination apprehension among parents in different societies is crucial for effectively implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out [...] Read more.

It is well known that vaccination is the best clinical approach for successfully controlling COVID-19 infection. Understanding the disparities in COVID-19 vaccination apprehension among parents in different societies is crucial for effectively implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia between February and April 2022. The validated questionnaire was shared with parents who had children between the ages of five and eleven years. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors significantly affecting vaccine-use decisions. Of the 699 participants, 83% of the mothers were between the ages of 35 and 44 years, 67% were university educated, and only 14% were healthcare workers. A large proportion of parents, with an age range of 18–34 years (p = 0.001), and those with a higher income group (p = 0.014), demonstrated significant vaccine hesitancy. Further, parents who received one or two vaccination doses were significantly (p = 0.02) more hesitant than those who received more than two doses of the vaccine. Furthermore, a significantly (p = 0.002) high percentage of parents who follow the Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines for personal preventive measures were hesitant about their children’s vaccination. Concerns about side effects (31.4%) and a lack of safety data (31.2%) on the COVID-19 vaccines were the two most significant reasons for parents to develop vaccine hesitancy. Social media (24.3%), poor perceived immunity (16.3 %), and news articles (15.5%) were the top three contributors to this hesitancy. Vaccinated parents were 8.21 times more likely to be vaccination-hesitant than non-vaccinated parents. Additionally, parents with less education and a COVID-19-positive child at home increased the odds of vaccine hesitancy by 1.66 and 1.48 times, respectively. Overall, one-third of the parents were not prepared to vaccinate their children, and one-quarter of the respondents had not decided about vaccination. This study shows that parents in Riyadh are generally reluctant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. As social media is a primary source of information for parents, public health professionals should utilize the platform to encourage parents to support vaccine acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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16 pages, 3785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Assessment of Innovative High-Fidelity Simulation Vaccination Course Integrating Emergency Cases for Pharmacy Undergraduates—A Randomized Controlled Study

by Shahzad Ahmad Sayyed, Ahmed Reda Sharkas, Bushra Ali Sherazi, Armin Dabidian, Holger Schwender and Stephanie Laeer

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020324 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1768

Abstract

Recently, pharmacists in Germany were allowed to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 12 years and older in order to increase vaccination coverage rates. In order to adapt the pharmacy curriculum for clinical practice, an innovative, vaccination training course using a [...] Read more.

Recently, pharmacists in Germany were allowed to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 12 years and older in order to increase vaccination coverage rates. In order to adapt the pharmacy curriculum for clinical practice, an innovative, vaccination training course using a high-fidelity simulator (HFS) was developed, implementing clinical scenarios to manage adverse events. In a randomized controlled trial using a pre and post design with pharmacy undergraduates, the intervention group interacted with an HFS, while the control group was trained with low-fidelity injection pads. Before and after the respective training, each participant went through an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and completed a self-assessment questionnaire and knowledge quiz. Both training methods showed a significant increase in skills, but there was also a significant greater increase in the intervention group when compared to the control group, particularly with respect to the vaccination process. Furthermore, every individual in the intervention group improved from the pre- to post-training OSCEs. Therefore, HFS has been proven to be an appropriate tool to train pharmacy students for the purposes of vaccine administration and to prepare for future challenges. Particularly, recognizing and managing adverse reactions can be addressed in a very effective way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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19 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Impact of General Vaccine Attitudes on the Intent for Early COVID-19 Vaccination

by John Boyle, Glen Nowak, Rachel Kinder, Ronaldo Iachan and James Dayton

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020235 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1214

Abstract

Despite relatively high rates of population spread, morbidity and mortality, the adoption of COVID-19 vaccines among the eligible populations was relatively slow. Some of the reasons for vaccination hesitancy and refusals have been attributed to unique aspects of this pandemic, including attitudes toward [...] Read more.

Despite relatively high rates of population spread, morbidity and mortality, the adoption of COVID-19 vaccines among the eligible populations was relatively slow. Some of the reasons for vaccination hesitancy and refusals have been attributed to unique aspects of this pandemic, including attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. However, little attention has been paid to the role of underlying vaccine beliefs in the likelihood of early vaccine adoption for COVID-19. This study provides a more comprehensive assessment of factors influencing willingness to get an early vaccination, and the relative contribution of general vaccine attitudes, compared to demographics, perceived threat and institutional trust. Monthly national surveys were conducted between June and November 2020 using a national consumer panel of U.S. adults (n = 6185). By late November, only 24% of respondents said they were very likely to get a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. While COVID-19 risk perceptions, confidence and trust in key institutions and information sources, and some demographic variables, were predictive of early vaccination intent, general beliefs regarding vaccines played a significant role, even compared to demographics, perceived risk and institutional trust. This lesson from the COVID-19 experience could help inform public health communications in future epidemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Students

by Hamid Saeed, Khubaib Ali, Muhammad Nabeel, Muhammad Fawad Rasool, Muhammad Islam, Furqan Khurshid Hashmi, Amna Saeed and Zikria Saleem

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010176 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

University students are a sub-group of the population at high risk of COVID-19 infection, and their judgments on vaccination affect the public attitudes towards vaccination. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among [...] Read more.

University students are a sub-group of the population at high risk of COVID-19 infection, and their judgments on vaccination affect the public attitudes towards vaccination. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling pharmacy (375) and non-pharmacy (225) students from the universities in Lahore. Chi-square analysis was used for significant frequency distributions and a 5-point Likert scale was used to score attitude, perception, and acceptance. The majority of the students were aged between 19–24 years, hailing from urban and middle-class families with good self-reported health. The preferred vaccine was Pfizer, followed by Sinopharm and Sinovac. The major source of information was social media, followed by government campaigns and family members. The pharmacy students demonstrated better knowledge and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. The non-pharmacy students scored higher for the questions based on scientific leads, myths, and baffling conspiracies. The non-pharmacy students showed higher hesitancy/barrier total scores related to their trust in the health system, COVID-19 vaccine storage, and efficacy. Data suggested that pharmacy students exhibited better knowledge, positive attitudes, and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, vaccine efficacy and safety were mutual concerns. Nonetheless, non-pharmacy students were hesitant due to mistrust in the health system of Pakistan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

14 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Americans’ COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions and Willingness to Vaccinate against COVID-19 with Their Community Pharmacists: An Exploratory Study

by Alexis M. Koskan, Iris E. LoCoco, Casey L. Daniel and Benjamin S. Teeter

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010171 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

In early 2022 in the U.S., rural adults were the least likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 due to vaccine hesitancy and reduced healthcare access. This study explored the factors influencing rural adults’ COVID-19 vaccine perceptions and their acceptance of pharmacist-administered vaccination. We utilized [...] Read more.

In early 2022 in the U.S., rural adults were the least likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 due to vaccine hesitancy and reduced healthcare access. This study explored the factors influencing rural adults’ COVID-19 vaccine perceptions and their acceptance of pharmacist-administered vaccination. We utilized phone-based semi-structured interviews with 30 adults living in rural regions of one southwestern state and analyzed the data using a team-based thematic analysis approach. Vaccine-willing participants described knowing other people affected by the virus and their desired protection from the virus. They reported trusting scientific institutions and the government to provide safe vaccines. Vaccine-hesitant populations, however, feared that the COVID-19 vaccine development process had been rushed, compromising the safety of these newer vaccines. Although they differed in the news sources they preferred for receiving COVID-19 vaccine information, both vaccine-willing and vaccine-hesitant participants described trusting local authorities, such as healthcare providers and county government officials, to provide accurate COVID-19 vaccine information. Regarding the acceptability of pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccinations, all but one participant described their acceptance of this healthcare delivery approach. Future outreach should leverage rural adults’ trust in local sources, including community pharmacists, deemed more convenient access points to healthcare, when addressing vaccine hesitancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

19 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Digital Media Search for COVID-19 Influence Vaccine Hesitancy? Exploring the Trade-off between Google Trends, Infodemics, Conspiracy Beliefs and Religious Fatalism

by Jiayue Gao, Syed Hassan Raza, Muhammad Yousaf, Amjad Ali Shah, Iltaf Hussain and Aqdas Malik

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010114 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2075

Abstract

Digital media has remained problematic during COVID-19 because it has been the source of false and unverified facts. This was particularly evident in the widespread misinformation and confusion regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Past research suggested infodemics, conspiracy beliefs, and religious fatalism as potential [...] Read more.

Digital media has remained problematic during COVID-19 because it has been the source of false and unverified facts. This was particularly evident in the widespread misinformation and confusion regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Past research suggested infodemics, conspiracy beliefs, and religious fatalism as potential threats to public COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. However, the literature is primarily void of empirical evidence associating demographic attributes with efforts to build vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, this research uses two studies: (Study 1) Google Trends and (Study 2) survey method to provide inclusive empirical insight into public use of digital media during COVID-19 and the detrimental effects of infodemics, conspiracy beliefs, and religious fatalism as they were related to building COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Using Google Trends based on popular keywords the public searched over one year, Study 1 explores public digital media use during COVID-19. Drawing on this exploration, Study 2 used a cross-sectional national representative survey of 2120 adult Pakistanis to describe the influence of potential hazards such as infodemics on public vaccine hesitancy. Study 2 revealed that infodemics, conspiracy beliefs, and religious fatalism predict vaccine hesitancy. In addition, gender moderates the relationship between infodemics and conspiracy beliefs and vaccine hesitancy. This implies that there is a dispositional effect of the infodemics and conspiracy beliefs spread digitally. This study’s findings benefit health and other concerned authorities to help them reduce religious fatalism, vaccine hesitancy, and conspiracy theories with targeted communication campaigns on digital media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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15 pages, 2333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccine Uptake to Prevent Meningitis and Encephalitis in Shanghai, China

by Hairenguli Maimaiti, Jia Lu, Xiang Guo, Lu Zhou, Linjie Hu and Yihan Lu

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122054 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1944

Abstract

Multiple vaccines may prevent meningitis and encephalitis (M/E). In China, the meningococcal vaccine and Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JEV) have been included in the expanded program of immunization (EPI). The pneumococcal vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and enterovirus 71 (EV-71) [...] Read more.

Multiple vaccines may prevent meningitis and encephalitis (M/E). In China, the meningococcal vaccine and Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JEV) have been included in the expanded program of immunization (EPI). The pneumococcal vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and enterovirus 71 (EV-71) vaccine are non-EPI vaccines and are self-paid. We aim to investigate the uptake of these M/E vaccines in children and the related knowledge and health beliefs among family caregivers. A total of 1011 family caregivers with children aged 1–6 years in Shanghai, China were included in the study. The uptake of the pneumococcal vaccine, Hib-containing vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and EV-71 vaccine remained at 44.0–48.1% in children, compared with the higher uptake of the meningococcal vaccine (88.8%) and JEV (87.1%). Moreover, family caregivers had limited knowledge on the M/E pathogens and possible vaccines. Their health beliefs were moderate to high. Then, a health belief model (HBM) and a structural equation model were established. The uptake of four non-EPI vaccines was significantly influenced by family income (β = 0.159), knowledge (β = 0.354), self-efficacy (β = 0.584), and perceived susceptibility (β = 0.212) within an HBM. Therefore, it warrants further improving the uptake rate for these non-EPI vaccines to prevent potential M/E in children. A specific health promotion may empower the caregivers’ decision-making on childhood vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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22 pages, 2058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monkeypox Knowledge and Vaccine Hesitancy of Czech Healthcare Workers: A Health Belief Model (HBM)-Based Study

by Abanoub Riad, Anton Drobov, Jana Rozmarinová, Pavla Drapáčová, Jitka Klugarová, Ladislav Dušek, Andrea Pokorná and Miloslav Klugar

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122022 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Background: The recent human monkeypox virus (HMPXV) outbreak in non-endemic countries that started in May 2022 has raised concerns among public health authorities worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a decisive role during epidemics in transmitting accurate information to the public and motivating them [...] Read more.

Background: The recent human monkeypox virus (HMPXV) outbreak in non-endemic countries that started in May 2022 has raised concerns among public health authorities worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a decisive role during epidemics in transmitting accurate information to the public and motivating them to pursue protective behaviours, including immunisation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in the Czech Republic in September 2022 to evaluate HMPXV-related knowledge and vaccination perceptions among HCWs. The study utilised a digital self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) to collect data from the target population. The proposed SAQ inquired about participants’ sociodemographic and anamnestic characteristics, perceived knowledge of HMPXV, factual knowledge, and vaccination perceptions according to the health belief model (HBM). Results: A total of 341 participants were included in this study; most of them were females (88.9%), allied HCWs (89.4%), heterosexuals (87.1%), married (61.9%), and vaccinated against COVID-19 (91.2%). Only 8.8% of the participants agreed to receive vaccination against HMPXV; 44.9% rejected it, while 46.3% were hesitant. While digital news portals (47.5%) and social media (25.8%) were among the most utilised sources of information about HMPXV, the scientific journals (5.6%), ECDC (5%), and the U.S. CDC (1.5%) were the least common sources. The participants demonstrated suboptimal levels of factual knowledge, especially regarding HMPXV vaccines (1.5 ± 1.2 (0–4)) and treatments (0.9 ± 0.9 (0–4)). Additionally, several misconceptions were detectable among the participants, regarding topics such as the availability of effective vaccines and antivirals against HMPXV, the risk of vertical transmission, and homosexual stigmatisation. The HBM indicated that the cues to action and perceived susceptibility were the most important constructs to predict HMPXV vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: the findings of this study call upon public health practitioners and health policymakers in the Czech Republic to act accordingly in order to determine the drivers of vaccine hesitancy among Czech HCWs. Dedicated educational campaigns should aim to counter the HCWs’ misconceptions around HMPXV, and future studies should aim to explore the prevalence and drivers of HMPXV vaccine hesitancy among the general population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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13 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy (VBH) among Healthcare Professionals of Pakistan, a Nationwide Survey

by Muhammad Subhan Arshad, Imran Masood, Imran Imran, Hamid Saeed, Imran Ahmad, Iqra Ishaq, Hafsa Yaseen, Muqarrab Akbar, Muhammad Omer Chaudhry and Muhammad Fawad Rasool

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101736 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

Background: The waning vaccine immunity and emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 led health authorities across the globe to administer booster doses (BDs) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hence, the current study aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy (VBH) amongst Pakistani healthcare [...] Read more.

Background: The waning vaccine immunity and emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 led health authorities across the globe to administer booster doses (BDs) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hence, the current study aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy (VBH) amongst Pakistani healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods: A nationwide survey-based study was carried out from April 2022 to May 2022. The online self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding demographics (age, gender, marital status, profession, residential area, and province), COVID-19 infection history (infection history, onset, and clinical severity of disease), previous COVID-19 vaccination (type of vaccination and the number of doses), attitudes towards BDs (acceptance, rejection, and hesitancy), and psychological drivers of VBH (perceived effectiveness, vaccine safety, risk/benefit ratio, and vaccine type preference). We assessed the association between the dependent variable attitudes of study participants, regarding BDs and independent variables (demographics, COVID-19 infection history, previous COVID-19 vaccination, and psychological drivers of VBH), by using the Chi-square test/Fisher exact test. Results: Among the 1164 study participants, 51.4% were male, and 80.4% were medical professionals. The half of study participants (52.1%) agreed to take the COVID-19 vaccine BD or had already taken it, while the rest of them refused (34.7%) or hesitated (24.2%) to take it. These attitudes of the participants were significantly associated (p < 0.001) with psychological divers about the COVID-19 vaccine BD. Conclusion: This study revealed that Pakistani HCPs hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine BD had concerns about the safety, efficacy, and risk/benefits ratio of the vaccine’s BD. To eliminate the hesitancy, regarding BD in HCPs, certain educational strategies should be implemented by health authorities to address the concerns of HCPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

20 pages, 2775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ingraining Polio Vaccine Acceptance through Public Service Advertisements in the Digital Era: The Moderating Role of Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News, and Religious Fatalism

by Qiang Jin, Syed Hassan Raza, Muhammad Yousaf, Rehana Munawar, Amjad Ali Shah, Saima Hassan, Rehan Sadiq Shaikh and Emenyonu C. Ogadimma

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101733 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3018

Abstract

Recently, misinformation and disinformation, as well as fake news, have become global threats to public health owing to their role in spreading viral health hazard information. The growing explosive religious fatalistic views presented on social media and widespread misinformation, disinformation, and fake news [...] Read more.

Recently, misinformation and disinformation, as well as fake news, have become global threats to public health owing to their role in spreading viral health hazard information. The growing explosive religious fatalistic views presented on social media and widespread misinformation, disinformation, and fake news can result in detrimental outcomes in adopting protective behavior. The moderating implications of misinformation and religious fatalism can be severe, leading to adverse effects on polio vaccine acceptance. Consequently, this research provides brief empirical evidence on the efficacy of risk communication strategies to address polio vaccine reluctance in a digital age landscape, an area that remains understudied. This research argues that the spread of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and religious fatalism is not solely the bane of the polio vaccine, but rather represents the absence of risk communication strategies. The study opines that polio vaccine acceptance can be improved using risk communication strategies. Recognizing these risk factors and counter-risk communication strategies, this research tested a theoretical model using the cross-sectional survey design. Overall, data was collected from 2160 parents with children aged below five years. The results, based on structural equation modeling, revealed that public service advertisements are an effective tool to counter the inverse impacts of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and religious fatalism. Furthermore, the inverse moderating role of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and religious fatalism has been verified to potentially diminish polio vaccine acceptance. These results suggest that healthcare providers must identify and address all forms of digitally disseminated information that encumbers public health behaviors. Accordingly, this research recognized the utilization of evidence-based strategic communication campaigns to cultivate and encourage the literacy necessary to counter health hazard information, including misinformation. This study’s findings will benefit health and other concerned authorities in utilizing strategic communication on different media platforms to reduce or eradicate the polio endemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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15 pages, 4458 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Vaccine Champions Training Program: Empowering Community Leaders to Advocate for COVID-19 Vaccines

by Jessica Kaufman, Isabella Overmars, Julie Leask, Holly Seale, Melanie Chisholm, Jade Hart, Kylie Jenkins and Margie Danchin

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111893 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

Strong community engagement has been critical to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Australia and elsewhere. Community engagement builds trust, enables tailored information dissemination and shapes social norms. Engagement is particularly important in communities with greater vaccine hesitancy, lower health literacy and mistrust in [...] Read more.

Strong community engagement has been critical to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Australia and elsewhere. Community engagement builds trust, enables tailored information dissemination and shapes social norms. Engagement is particularly important in communities with greater vaccine hesitancy, lower health literacy and mistrust in authorities. Early in 2021, as a team of vaccine social scientists and clinicians, we developed a program to train and empower community, faith, industry and healthcare leaders to advocate for COVID-19 vaccines as “vaccine champions”. We partnered with the Victorian Department of Health to deliver 91 online Vaccine Champions sessions from March 2021 to June 2022. Over 80 people who received this training were supported by the Department of Health to become formal vaccine champions, independently delivering over 100 locally tailored information sessions. Our survey evaluation of 20 sessions delivered in 2022 found most participants (94%, 118/125) felt more confident to discuss safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and find relevant information after attending a session. We also recorded >90% participant satisfaction with training content, format and presentation. Qualitative feedback from two group interviews highlighted the value of vaccine communication role plays and opportunities for discussion. In this brief report, we present an overview of the Vaccine Champions program, evaluation and next steps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance)

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