Abstract
In January 2021, Israel started vaccinating healthcare workers (HCWs) and individuals older than 65 years with COVID-19 vaccines. Scientific literature points to vaccine hesitancy as being a major health concern. During time of pandemics, increased consciousness of health behaviors may be encountered. The current study aimed to assess attitudes to general vaccines and to COVID-19 vaccines in particular among adult (>18) Israeli general public, and among Israeli dentists and dental hygienists. Cross-sectional surveys were filled out by a total of 501 participants (361 Israeli adults >18 years, 73 dental hygienists, and 67 dentists). Along with basic demographics, participants responded to the Hebrew VAX, COVID-VAX and HCS scales. Group comparisons were analyzed using t tests and ANOVAs with Scheffe’s test used for post hoc comparisons. Dental hygienists demonstrated significantly higher anti-vaccinations approaches than both dentists (p < 0.01) and the general public (p < 0.05). In all groups, attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines were more negative compared to attitudes towards general vaccines, with hygienists demonstrating significant negative attitudes compared to dentists (p < 0.05). The general public (p = 0.56) and hygienists demonstrated increased health awareness compared to dentists (p < 0.05). As health awareness has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic primary strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy should be implemented in the general public, and in particular, an dental teams.
Highlights
Introduction(SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has considerably affected the worldwide population [1]
Introduction published maps and institutional affilSince its outbreak in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has considerably affected the worldwide population [1]
Based on the above theories and findings, the current study aimed to examine attitudes regarding vaccinations and awareness of health behaviors within the adult Israeli population (>18 years) and among Israeli dentists and dental hygienists during the COVID19 pandemic
Summary
(SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has considerably affected the worldwide population [1]. Health authorities and the medical community identify vaccines as an effective tool for managing public health [2] and, long-term control of the COVID-19 pandemic will be determined by preventive vaccines [3]. Since the SARS-CoV-2 viral sequence was published in January of 2020, multiple laboratories have worked at an accelerated pace on candidate vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2; these trials are ongoing. Based on preliminary data showing that the efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine was 95% in persons 16 years and above [5], several countries, including Israel, have begun to vaccinate their populations. Based on preliminary data showing that the efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine was 95% in persons 16 years and above [5], several countries, including Israel, have begun to vaccinate their populations. iations.
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