Research

11 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Schoolteachers and Vaccinations: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Campania Region

by Concetta Paola Pelullo, Francesco Corea, Giorgia Della Polla, Francesco Napolitano and Gabriella Di Giuseppe

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091519 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1007

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccinations among schoolteachers in Italy. Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire from September 2020 to May 2021 from a sample of schoolteachers in the Campania region of southern [...] Read more.

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccinations among schoolteachers in Italy. Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire from September 2020 to May 2021 from a sample of schoolteachers in the Campania region of southern Italy. Results: Only 27% of the participants had good knowledge about the vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers. Females who had children, who were unsatisfied by their health status, and not needing additional information about vaccinations were more likely to have good knowledge. Moreover, 61.5% perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, and 44.5% agreed or strongly agreed that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that schoolteachers who perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, who considered the recommended vaccinations to be useful to protecting their own and their students’ health, who believed that information received about vaccination was useful, and who needed additional information about vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers, were significantly more likely to agree or strongly agree that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for education strategies to ensure that schoolteachers are better informed about vaccinations recommended for their profession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

13 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Patient Experiences Regarding Pharmacist-Administrated Vaccination and Attitude towards Future Additional Pharmacy Services in Poland

by Izabela Grzegorczyk-Karolak, Aneta Zglińska-Pietrzak, Izabela Weremczuk-Jeżyna and Sylwia Kałucka

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091479 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1709

Abstract

In order to increase the number of vaccinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a significant change was introduced in the legislation allowing for the vaccination to also be performed in pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among those who chose a [...] Read more.

In order to increase the number of vaccinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a significant change was introduced in the legislation allowing for the vaccination to also be performed in pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among those who chose a pharmacy as a vaccination point during the pandemic COVID-19. The aim of the study was to determine the overall level of patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccination in pharmacies and to examine patient opinions regarding the further expansion of pharmacy services. A patient survey was conducted immediately after vaccination in the period from January to March 2022. A total of 398 questionnaires were completed. The respondents reported high satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccinations (94.5%). In addition, the majority of consumers felt safe during the vaccination procedure (98.5%), and 88.4% declared they would come for other vaccinations at the pharmacy. The two main reasons for choosing this vaccination place were easy access regarding location (94.2%) and proposed vaccination hours (95.2%). The participants reported high levels of satisfaction concerning the pre-vaccination interview (91.2%), information level before immunization (91.5%), injection technique (96.7%), adjusting the premises to the service (95%) and general care in pharmacy after with vaccination (87.7%). The majority of respondents supported the future expansion of pharmacist-administered services, although the support rate ranged from 52% to 83% depending on the type of service offered. The majority of patients supported the continuation of ongoing prescriptions, blood pressure and blood glucose measurement services by pharmacists. Our findings indicate that the involvement of pharmacies in vaccination programs and other public health services met high levels of patient acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

16 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surveying Parents’ Awareness and Adherence to Influenza Vaccination Recommendations in Children in Southern Italy

by Gabriella Di Giuseppe, Giovanna Paduano, Sara Vaienna, Giuseppe Maisto, Concetta Paola Pelullo and Maria Pavia

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081298 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Background: This study explored awareness and adhesion of parents to the recommendations for influenza vaccination for their children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022 among parents of 6 months–6 years-old children in Southern Italy. Results: Only 22.1% of [...] Read more.

Background: This study explored awareness and adhesion of parents to the recommendations for influenza vaccination for their children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022 among parents of 6 months–6 years-old children in Southern Italy. Results: Only 22.1% of parents were aware that influenza vaccination was recommended for healthy children, and 31.8% reported at least one influenza vaccination in the four influenza seasons from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022. Adherence was higher among parents who had received influenza vaccination at least once, who knew the main childhood vaccinations, who knew that influenza can be prevented, that influenza vaccination is recommended for healthy children, who believe that it is useful, and who have been informed about it by physicians. Willingness to vaccinate their children in the upcoming season was 48.6% and was higher among parents who had vaccinated their children at least once, believed that influenza vaccination protects against severe complications, believed that it is useful, and that it is not better for children to acquire immunization through illness than through vaccination. Conclusions: These findings suggest that efforts should be devoted to educating parents on the risks associated with the disease and the benefits of the vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

12 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening: Assessing Awareness, Attitudes, and Adherence in Detained Women

by Gabriella Di Giuseppe, Lucio Folcarelli, Raffaele Lanzano, Francesco Napolitano and Maria Pavia

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081280 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2133

Abstract

Background: This study assessed awareness, attitudes, and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening in detained women. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 in four women prisons in Italy. Results: 41.1% of participants recognized HPV [...] Read more.

Background: This study assessed awareness, attitudes, and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening in detained women. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 in four women prisons in Italy. Results: 41.1% of participants recognized HPV infection as an sexually transmitted diseases (STD), 36.4% identified cervical, and 16.8% oral cancer as an HPV-associated disease. Overall, 70% had never heard of HPV vaccination, and 45.8% believed it is effective to prevent cervical cancer. Among the age-eligible women for HPV vaccination, none reported to have undergone it, nor had talked about it with a physician in the previous year. Only 13.5% declared to have ever undergone cervical cancer screening, and adherence was significantly higher in those who were involved in a working activity in prison, who were aware that HPV infection is an STD and that can cause cervical and oral cancer, and who were older at their first sexual intercourse. Conclusion: These findings documented an extremely low awareness of HPV infection and an unsatisfactory adherence to prevention through HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. There is a need for evidence-based interventions for incarcerated women to promote participation in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs as routine activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

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13 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hesitancy towards Childhood Vaccinations among Parents of Children with Underlying Chronic Medical Conditions in Italy

by Francesco Napolitano, Grazia Miraglia del Giudice, Silvia Angelillo, Italo Fattore, Francesca Licata, Concetta Paola Pelullo and Gabriella Di Giuseppe

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081254 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to evaluate vaccination hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 in three public hospitals in southern Italy. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview [...] Read more.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate vaccination hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 in three public hospitals in southern Italy. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview of parents of children up to 17 years of age with at least one chronic condition. Results: Of the 532 parents approached, 444 agreed to participate, with a response rate of 83.4%. Almost half of parents (43%) knew that children with chronic diseases are at greater risk of complications from VPDs, and 21.6% knew all the vaccinations available in Italy. Additionally, 55.9% felt that vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are very dangerous for their children, and 28.7% were very worried about the side effects of vaccines. The result of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccine (PACV) score indicated that 23.2% of parents were hesitant about vaccinations. Parental vaccine hesitancy was significantly more common among parents who had female children, among those who did not know the recommended vaccinations, among those who had a higher concern of potential side effects of the vaccines, among those who believed that the administration of the vaccinations was not useful, and among who received information on recommended vaccination from the internet, social and mass media. Conclusions: Important efforts by policy makers and healthcare providers must be implemented to counter vaccine hesitancy among parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

8 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge and Awareness of Polish Parents on Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus

by Piotr Sypień and Tadeusz M. Zielonka

Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10071156 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are rare among Polish children, and the reasons are scant. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of parents about HPV vaccination to investigate reasons for low HPV vaccination coverage. Methods: 387 parents [...] Read more.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are rare among Polish children, and the reasons are scant. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of parents about HPV vaccination to investigate reasons for low HPV vaccination coverage. Methods: 387 parents of children hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital were asked to participate in an anonymous and voluntary survey study. Three hundred and two surveys were returned. Results: Only 54% of participants have heard about HPV, while 26% know that it is a sexually transmitted disease. According to 71% of responders, vaccines are generally effective, and 63% claim that they are safe. However, only 5% of daughters and 4% of sons are vaccinated against HPV. A total of 25% of parents spoke with their doctor about HPV-related diseases and prevention methods. A higher level of education (p = 0.01), knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (p < 0.0001), perceiving vaccination as an effective and safe prophylactic method (p < 0.0001), and conversations with a doctor (p < 0.0001) are strong motivators to vaccinate children against HPV. This decision is free of religious beliefs, origin, age, gender and the number of children. Conclusions: Polish parents have a positive attitude towards vaccination. They recognize the limitations of their knowledge and express a desire to further it. Educational activity is an important element of physicians’ work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

17 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Vaccine Attitudes among Adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic after Vaccine Rollout

by Jasmin Choi, Sarah A. Lieff, Gabriella Y. Meltzer, Margaux M. Grivel, Virginia W. Chang, Lawrence H. Yang and Don C. Des Jarlais

Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10060933 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Even though vaccination is the most effective measure against COVID-19 infections, vaccine rollout efforts have been hampered by growing anti-vaccine attitudes. Based on current knowledge, we identified three domains (beliefs, discrimination, and news) as our correlates of primary interest to examine the association [...] Read more.

Even though vaccination is the most effective measure against COVID-19 infections, vaccine rollout efforts have been hampered by growing anti-vaccine attitudes. Based on current knowledge, we identified three domains (beliefs, discrimination, and news) as our correlates of primary interest to examine the association with anti-vaccine attitudes. This is one of the first studies to examine key correlates of anti-vaccine attitudes during the critical early stages of vaccine implementation in the United States. An online survey was administered in May 2021 to a non-representative, nationally based sample of adults (N = 789). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that individuals who expressed worry about COVID-19 (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.21, 0.55) and had greater knowledge of COVID-19 (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.25, 0.99) were less likely to hold anti-vaccine attitudes. Conversely, individuals who held stigmatizing views of COVID-19 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.53, 3.99), had experienced racial discrimination (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.25, 3.67) and discrimination related to COVID-19 (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.54, 5.24), and who had been watching Fox News (OR = 3.95, 95% CI 2.61, 5.97) were more likely to hold anti-vaccine attitudes. These findings suggest COVID-19 beliefs, experiences of discrimination, and news sources should be considered when designing targeted approaches to address the anti-vaccine movement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

15 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccination Attitudes and Experiences of Medical Doctors in Croatia amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Social Roles Conflict?

by Maja Miskulin, Aida Mujkic, Ivan Miskulin, Zvjezdana Lovric Makaric, Emma Kovacevic, Ljiljana Pintaric and Zeljko Pavic

Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030399 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3145

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the range of experiences and attitudes of Croatian medical doctors (MDs) related to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy. In January 2021 three asynchronous online focus groups were held using MRQual, a web-based platform, which included 46 MDs from all [...] Read more.

The study aimed to investigate the range of experiences and attitudes of Croatian medical doctors (MDs) related to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy. In January 2021 three asynchronous online focus groups were held using MRQual, a web-based platform, which included 46 MDs from all three levels of the healthcare system in Croatia. NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software package, was used for the thematic analysis of collected data. The participants expressed a high level of support for the Croatian immunization program and vaccines in general. However, some skepticism was expressed regarding new vaccines and the regulatory processes of their approval. A significant number of participants raised concerns over the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, especially given their rapid development. The results also revealed that the process of communication with patients is often based on the very elaborate categorizations of patients based on previous experience, which leads to prioritizing and a communication breakup when dealing with “problematic patients”. MDs find themselves in a delicate situation where a fine balance between time-consuming communication with patients and the demands for maintaining satisfying vaccination uptake is needed. The situation arises from a social roles conflict that is embedded in wider social values and expectations, since communication problems do not arise in the doctor’s office, and therefore cannot be solved without addressing the social forces that cause trust deficiencies. To achieve better immunization results public health leaders need to better understand the social contexts and constraints of MDs vaccine-related behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination and Public Health Version III)

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