Research

16 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccination Attitude and Behavior among Nurses at a West Texas Regional Hospital

by Christopher J. Peterson, Mostafa Abohelwa, Afrina Rimu, Drew Payne, Shengping Yang, Tammy Williams, Erin Nash Rowin and Kenneth Nugent

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020343 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

Vaccinations against COVID-19 infection have become a contentious issue in the United States. Multiple segments of society, including healthcare workers, have expressed concerns regarding the need for vaccination and the safety of current vaccines. Many hospital-based nurses have helped care for patients with [...] Read more.

Vaccinations against COVID-19 infection have become a contentious issue in the United States. Multiple segments of society, including healthcare workers, have expressed concerns regarding the need for vaccination and the safety of current vaccines. Many hospital-based nurses have helped care for patients with severe COVID-19 infections. An anonymous online survey was sent to the nursing staff at University Medical Center in Lubbock, TX, USA, through a hospital-based email system to determine vaccination status and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccines. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with vaccination. A total of 251 nurses responded to this survey; 211 nurses (83.7%) had received the vaccine. Almost all nurses (242, 96%) had received all childhood vaccinations, and 231 (91.7%) had received an influenza vaccination in the prior year. A minority of nurses (75, 29.8%) supported mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers. The reasons for declining vaccination included the possibility that diet and alternative medications provided better protection against COVID-19. This survey demonstrates that over 80% of nurses working in a hospital managing very sick patients with COVID-19 infection had been vaccinated. However, nurses who did not take the annual influenza vaccine and did not consider other protective measures useful (such as mask-wearing) were significantly less likely to vaccinate. Nurses can provide an important resource for conversations with the public and patients about vaccine initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

22 pages, 449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Health Care Workers towards Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Recommended Vaccinations: An Observational Study in a Teaching Hospital

by Marianna Riccio, Mattia Marte, Valentin Imeshtari, Francesca Vezza, Vanessa India Barletta, David Shaholli, Corrado Colaprico, Maria Di Chiara, Elena Caresta, Gianluca Terrin, Paola Papoff and Giuseppe La Torre

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010196 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2463

Abstract

Background: Recommended vaccinations are the cheapest and most effective measure to reduce the risk of transmission and related complications, especially in high-risk healthcare settings. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of HCWs in relation to national recommendations. Methods: A [...] Read more.

Background: Recommended vaccinations are the cheapest and most effective measure to reduce the risk of transmission and related complications, especially in high-risk healthcare settings. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of HCWs in relation to national recommendations. Methods: A transversal study was conducted through administration of a questionnaire by personal interview. The following care units were involved: Paediatric, Neonatal, Cardiac Surgery and General Intensive Care Units and Infectious Diseases Unit. Results: The study sample comprised 308 HCWs. Half the sample were aware of the vaccination recommendations, with occupation and age found to be predictive factors (OR = 9.38, 95%CI: 2.07–42.41; OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.22–0.60). A higher percentage defined the diseases as a risk for their patients’ health, although this perception was lower in the over-40 age group. In several cases, there were statistically significant differences between the care units (p < 0.001). Around three-quarters of the sample agreed that vaccination should be mandatory; willingness to undergo a future booster vaccination was statistically correlated with the variables of age and care unit (p < 0.001, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The protection of health in the workplace can be achieved through some strategic actions, such as the implementation of educational strategies, and protocols for the monitoring of immunocompetence and the improvement of vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

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11 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior toward COVID-19 Vaccination in Young Italians

by Shizuka Kibi, David Shaholli, Vanessa India Barletta, Francesca Vezza, Marcello Gelardini, Carla Ardizzone, Daniele Grassucci and Giuseppe La Torre

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010183 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1612

Abstract

Purpose: The knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of young Italians towards the COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed in order to provide information useful to elaborate the strategies that can be implemented to obtain the best possible vaccination coverage in this population. Methods: A [...] Read more.

Purpose: The knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of young Italians towards the COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed in order to provide information useful to elaborate the strategies that can be implemented to obtain the best possible vaccination coverage in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5313 young people aged between 11 and 30 years. Data were collected through an online survey during the period from 1 to 10 March 2021. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Intention to vaccinate was studied by univariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test to assess differences between groups for categorical variables, and by multivariate analysis applying the binary logistic regression model, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test was performed to assess goodness of fit. Results: Television (32.1%), internet/search engine (25.9%), and social networks (10.4%) were the main sources of information for young Italians. The survey analysis showed that 74.5% (3956) of the respondents were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 versus 25.5% (1357) who were against it. Demographic data, in particular, age, gender, experience with influenza vaccine, and level of knowledge about the disease, were significant determinants (p < 0.001) for the choice to vaccinate against COVID-19. Discussion: These results suggest that in order to implement the vaccination campaign, correct information is needed to improve awareness of the vaccine and COVID-19, while also taking into account the target group, which differs not only in age but also in the sources of information used compared to the adult population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

8 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Catch-Up Campaign at the Romagna Local Health Authority (Italy), a Multi-Center Retrospective Observational Study

by Andrea Ceccarelli, Susan Scrimaglia, Virginia Fossi, Luigi Ceccaroni, Andrea Federici, Chiara Reali, Raffaella Angelini, Giulia Silvestrini, Francesco Sintoni, Maria Pia Fantini, Davide Gori, Francesca Righi and Marco Montalti

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101770 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Herpes Zoster (shingles) is an infection that occurs when varicella-zoster virus reactivates from the latent state. Incidence and severity of Herpes Zoster disease increase with age. Antiviral drugs are the elective treatment; however, prevention of disease reactivation through effective and safe vaccines is [...] Read more.

Herpes Zoster (shingles) is an infection that occurs when varicella-zoster virus reactivates from the latent state. Incidence and severity of Herpes Zoster disease increase with age. Antiviral drugs are the elective treatment; however, prevention of disease reactivation through effective and safe vaccines is available in Italy out-of-pocket from age 65 onwards. The Romagna Local Health Authority (northern Italy) administered catch-up vaccinations in March–May 2022 for immunizations not performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, adherence rates to the catch-up campaign and recall activities adopted in two centers were investigated. The uptakes for only the catch-up vaccinations were 11.4% and 12.4%. Having suffered from Herpes Zoster or having family members who suffered from it would not seem to be drivers of increased uptake. Although sending text-messages to all involved patients was the main motivation for vaccine uptake (85.7–95.1%), word of mouth and web/news advertising also contributed to adoption in Center No. 2. In both centers, the need for greater synergy between public health departments and general practitioners to engage their patients emerged, as did the need for additional recall measures. Studying the main drivers of vaccine hesitancy, especially at the local level, can help in targeting campaigns and catch-up activities in order to achieve widespread acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

22 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccinating Front-Line Healthcare Workers: Results of a Pre-Pandemic Cross-Sectional Study from North-Eastern Italy on First Responders

by Matteo Riccò, Luigi Vezzosi and Federico Marchesi

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1492; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091492 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2042

Abstract

First responders are front-line healthcare workers who are potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards immunization, therefore, has the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. A cross-sectional study was performed in October 2018 using [...] Read more.

First responders are front-line healthcare workers who are potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards immunization, therefore, has the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. A cross-sectional study was performed in October 2018 using a sample of 161 first responders from the Parma Province (mean age 45.1 ± 14.1 years; seniority 10.8 ± 8.6 years). The participants were questioned on three recommended vaccinations (i.e., the seasonal influenza, measles, and pertussis vaccines) and on meningococcal vaccines (not officially recommended for first responders). The participant’s knowledge status and risk perception were assessed as percentage values through a specifically designed questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for factors associated with vaccination status were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. The internal consistency result, calculated using a general knowledge test, was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894), but the corresponding score was unsatisfying (46.5% ± 32.4), evidencing uncertainties surrounding the recommendations for measles and meningococcal vaccines (39.1% and 34.2% incorrect answers, respectively). While the large majority of respondents were favorable towards the meningococcal (89.4%), measles (87.5%), and pertussis vaccines (83.0%), 55.3% exhibited a favorable attitude toward the seasonal influenza vaccine, the uptake of which in 2018, was reported by 28.0% of respondents, compared to the self-reported lifetime status for meningitis (26.1%), measles (42.2%), and pertussis (34.8%). Not coincidentally, all assessed infections were associated with a low-risk perception score, particularly influenza (33.9% ± 18.4). Interestingly enough, neither knowledge status nor risk perception were associated with vaccination rates. More precisely, the main predictor for being vaccinated against seasonal influenza in 2018 was a seniority of ≥10 years (aOR 3.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35–7.91), while both pertussis and measles were positively associated with higher educational achievement (aOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.29–8.30; and aOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.09–6.65, respectively). The reasons for vaccination gaps among the sampled first responders, apparently, did not find their roots in inappropriate knowledge status and risk perception alone. However, the very low rates of sampled immunization lead us to recommend stronger and more appropriate information campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

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18 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flu Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals in Times of COVID-19: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior

by Corrado Colaprico, Eleonora Ricci, Andrea Bongiovanni, Valentin Imeshtari, Vanessa India Barletta, Maria Vittoria Manai, David Shaholli, Mattia Marte, Pasquale Serruto and Giuseppe La Torre

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081341 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

The seasonal flu vaccine is the most important way to prevent influenza epidemics, so it is useful to increase the awareness of health professionals. The aim of our study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about flu vaccination among healthcare professionals in [...] Read more.

The seasonal flu vaccine is the most important way to prevent influenza epidemics, so it is useful to increase the awareness of health professionals. The aim of our study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about flu vaccination among healthcare professionals in times of COVID-19. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between November 2020 and April 2021. Participants were recruited in teaching hospital ‘Policlinico Umberto I’ of Rome. A survey of 24 questions about flu vaccination was administered, evaluating their knowledge, attitude, and practice about this topic. Results: 872 healthcare professionals were involved in the study (36.9% men, 63.1% women). More than 90% of the HCWs, especially physicians, recognize the importance of getting influenza vaccination: The main reasons for not getting vaccinated were fear of vaccine side effects (20.3%) and fear of the needle (6.4%). Nevertheless, 40.7% of the healthcare providers consider mandatory vaccination as unethical, especially if they work in low-intensity wards. Conclusion: a high percentage of healthcare workers agree with the importance of influenza vaccination and only a small percentage is still opposed. It is therefore important to continue to promote the influenza vaccination through communication and health education programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

Review

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18 pages, 2871 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Vaccines for the Treatment of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Cathy Ventura, Ângelo Luís, Christiane P. Soares, Aldo Venuti, Francesca Paolini, Luísa Pereira and Ângela Sousa

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091560 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2794

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is a disease that affects many women worldwide, especially in low-income countries. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main causative agent of this disease, with the E6 and E7 oncoproteins being responsible for the development and maintenance of transformed [...] Read more.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a disease that affects many women worldwide, especially in low-income countries. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main causative agent of this disease, with the E6 and E7 oncoproteins being responsible for the development and maintenance of transformed status. In addition, HPV is also responsible for the appearance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a pre-neoplastic condition burdened by very high costs for its screening and therapy. So far, only prophylactic vaccines have been approved by regulatory agencies as a means of CC prevention. However, these vaccines cannot treat HPV-positive women. A search was conducted in several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) to systematically identify clinical trials involving therapeutic vaccines against CIN 3. Histopathological regression data, immunological parameters, safety, DNA clearance, and vaccine efficacy were considered from each selected study, and from the 102 articles found, 8 were selected based on the defined inclusion criteria. Histopathological regression from CIN 3 to CIN < 1 was 22.1% (95% CI: 0.627–0.967; p-value = 0.024), showing a vaccine efficacy of 23.6% (95% CI; 0.666–0.876; p-value < 0.001). DNA clearance was assessed, and the risk of persistent HPV DNA was 23.2% (95% CI: 0.667–0.885; p-value < 0.001). Regarding immunological parameters, immune responses by specific T-HPV cells were more likely in vaccinated women (95% CI: 1.245–9.162; p-value = 0.017). In short, these studies favored the vaccine group over the placebo group. This work indicated that therapeutic vaccines are efficient in the treatment of CIN 3, even after accounting for publication bias. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

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Other

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11 pages, 6223 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Cases, COVID-19 Outcomes and Vaccinations, during the Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Greece

by Foteini Malli, Ioannis C. Lampropoulos, Garifallia Perlepe, Dimitrios Papagiannis and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010126 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1215

Abstract

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, many issues have arisen. We report SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, SARS-CoV-2 cases and COVID-19 outcomes in Greece during weeks 2–26 of 2021 (Alpha variant period), weeks 27–51 of 2021 (Delta variant period) and week 51 of 2021 [...] Read more.

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, many issues have arisen. We report SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, SARS-CoV-2 cases and COVID-19 outcomes in Greece during weeks 2–26 of 2021 (Alpha variant period), weeks 27–51 of 2021 (Delta variant period) and week 51 of 2021 to week 27 of 2022 (Omicron variant period). The average weekly cases were higher during the Omicron period vs. the Delta (25,354.17 cases/week) and Alpha periods (11,238.48 cases/week). The average weekly vaccinations were lower in the Omicron period (26,283.69/week) than in the Alpha and Delta period. Joinpoint regression analysis identified that the trend of SARS-CoV-2 cases increased by 88.5% during the rise of the Omicron wave in Greece. The trend of the intensive care unit (ICU) admissions related to COVID-19 decreased by 5.0% immediately after the rise of Omicron while the trend of COVID-19-related deaths decreased by 8.1% from the 5th week of the Omicron wave until the end of the study. For vaccinations, an increasing trend of 8.3% was observed in the first half of 2021 (weeks 18–25/2021), followed by a decreasing trend in weeks 26–43/2021. For the weeks before and during the early rise of Omicron (44/2021–1/2022), we identified an increasing trend of 10.7% and for weeks 2–27/2022 we observed a decreasing trend of 18.1%. Unfortunately, we do not have available data about the vaccination status of the SARS-CoV-2 cases, ICU admissions or deaths. Our findings suggest that the Omicron variant is associated with increased transmissibility and reduced morbidity and mortality despite the previous increase in the trend of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Epidemiology and Vaccines 2.0)

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