Attitudes of the General Population Towards Covid – 19 Vaccination in Relation to the Intention to Travel

Abstract

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the measures to address it, have significantly affected various aspects of life and daily routines for everyone. One of the most important measures in combating the pandemic, the production of vaccines, has not only helped in containing COVID-19 but has also served as a launching pad for the development of new treatments and vaccines for other chronic diseases, such as cancer. The implementation of vaccination programs by governments worldwide has resulted in the reduction of restrictive measures taken by countries and increased the movement of citizens who feel greater security between countries. The aim of this study was to correlate vaccination with the intention to travel, in combination with the reasons for resistance put forth by citizens. The study is based on a quantitative cross-sectional analysis and was conducted among individuals with scheduled appointments at the Nea Filadelfeia Health Center, including healthcare workers and the general population. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed in printed form at the health center, and 130 fully completed questionnaires were returned. In the general population, the questionnaires were distributed through an online form, and 132 responses were collected. Age, employment status, the level of concern about COVID-19 infection outside of work, and the opportunities offered by vaccination coverage for free travel were found to be independently related to vaccination status. Specifically, older age was associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination. Those who were employed were 4.26 times more likely to be vaccinated compared to those who were not employed. A greater fear of COVID-19 infection outside of work was associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination. A stronger influence of the possibility of free travel after vaccination was related to a higher likelihood of vaccination.