Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to overcome the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the success of this effort relies on national vaccination programmes. In May 2021, we surveyed 1552 people from Romania to determine acceptance rates and factors influencing acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of these, 39.2% of participants reported that they were vaccinated and 25.6% desired vaccination; nonetheless, 29.5% expressed opposition to vaccination. Concerning vaccination refusal, the top justification given by respondents is that the vaccine is insufficiently safe and there is a risk of serious side effects (84.4%). A higher rate of vaccination refusal was observed among female gender, younger age, and lower educational level. Refusal was also associated with unemployment, being in a relationship, and having a decrease in income during the pandemic. People who are constantly informed by specialized medical staff have a statistically significant higher vaccination rate, while people who choose to get information from friends, family, and co-workers have the strongest intention of avoiding the vaccine. Current levels of vaccine are insufficient to achieve herd immunity of 67%. It is mandatory to understand the aspects that define and establish confidence and to craft nationwide interventions appropriately.
Highlights
In early 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide public health crisis, and in March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic was declared [1,2]
Concerning vaccination refusal, the primary argument mentioned by respondents was that the vaccine is insufficiently safe and there is a possibility of major side effects (Table 3)
Great measures have been taken in order to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of specific vaccines came as a hopeful opportunity for achieving herd immunity all over the world
Summary
In early 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide public health crisis, and in March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic was declared [1,2]. COVID-19 vaccination has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to address the challenge of this public health crisis [4]. That examined online search behaviour related to COVID-19 vaccines during the beginning of public vaccination, found that many individuals who are uncertain about critical vaccine-related information do not engage in active online search to address their information needs, highlighting the importance of encouraging more active information-seeking, as well as a critical appraisal of health information on the web, as a strategy for combating misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines [17,18]
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