Determinants Of Vaccine Hesitancy Research Articles

Panic in the Pandemic: Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy and the Dilemma of Public Health Information Sharing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Vaccine hesitancy, a pressing global challenge in vaccination programs, was significantly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proliferation of misinformation, including false claims and rumours, and the influence of anti-vaccine movements fuelled hesitancy. This study aims to explore the socio-economic determinants that influenced vaccine hesitancy and the impact of public health information sharing in Sri Lanka during the pandemic. The study employed a comprehensive mixed-method approach for data collection, administrating a household survey (n = 3330) and 206 semi-structured interviews. The survey results indicated that 37.8% (n = 3113) of respondents delayed or rejected vaccines for various reasons, the leading cause being the fear of side effects of the vaccine. Although fear of side effects was the prime reason for rejection (n = 1176, 46.29%), respondents demonstrated an extremely poor understanding of the potential side effects of vaccines, which was 55.39% (n = 3113). Notably, 84.60% (n = 3113) were unaware of the vaccine development process. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that middle-income people (AOR-0.42) and females (0.65) were less likely not to make decisions based on scientific information compared to underprivileged people and males. The survey also revealed that strong belief in the use of traditional medicines and remedies and religious beliefs (n = 1176, 3.95%) were among the main reasons for hesitancy. The findings illustrate that misinformation, lack of health knowledge, and lack of understanding to seek scientific information have fuelled vaccine hesitancy in Sri Lanka.

Influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in a Northeastern province in Thailand: Findings of a cross-sectional survey

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for influenza vaccination due to their increased risk of infection. However, their uptake remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify and measure influenza vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. Methods A representative cross-sectional survey was conducted during August–September 2020, among 350 HCWs at six hospitals in the province selected by a two-stage cluster sampling using a self-administered questionnaire. HCWs who either delayed getting influenza vaccines, accepted the vaccines but were unsure, or refused the vaccine with doubts were categorized as hesitant. HCWs who accepted the influenza vaccine without any doubts were classified as non-hesitant. Determinants of vaccine hesitancy were identified by a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 338 participants (97%) filled the questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was 37.2 years. Most participants were female (280; 83%), nurses (136; 40%), working at district hospitals (238; 71%), with bachelor’s degree (223; 66%), and without any pre-existing chronic medical conditions (264; 78%). Influenza vaccine hesitancy was evident among nearly 60% of the participants (197/338), who had varying patterns of hesitancy. Significant factors of influenza vaccine hesitancy were found to be age above 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–8.5), fair knowledge of influenza and vaccination (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8), and negative influence of other HCW (High level–aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8; Moderate level- aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.4). Conclusion Influenza vaccine hesitancy was highly prevalent among the Thai HCWs in Nakhon Phanom province. Imparting updated information to the HCW, in combination with positive guidance from influential HCWs in the hospital, may help reduce hesitancy. These data may be useful to the National Immunization Program to design appropriate approaches to target hesitant HCWs in Thailand to improve influenza vaccine coverage.

Exploring Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents in a Rural Pediatric Clinic System: A Statistical Study.

Vaccine hesitancy has been a growing concern in the United States, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. A rural pediatric clinic system in central Louisiana serves a population with historically low childhood immunization rates. This study explored the prevalence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy among parents of pediatric patients at the organization's clinics. A qualitative survey was conducted among parents who declined vaccines for their children at the organization's clinics. The survey collected information on parents' attitudes, beliefs, decision-making processes regarding childhood vaccinations, and demographic information about the parents, including income and education levels. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the survey responses. Thirty out of 47 parents (response rate: 64%) completed the survey. Most respondents (n=24, 80%) expressed concerns about vaccine safety and potential side effects. Many parents (n=16, 60%) cited information from social media and alternative health sources as influencing their decision to decline vaccines. Religious and philosophical beliefs were also common reasons for vaccine refusal (n=13, 43%). Another significant theme was the lack of trust in healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry (n=17, 53%). No significant differences in responses were observed based on the parent's race or the child's sex. Ninety percent of participants (n=27) reported a household income of under $50,000, and 87% of participants (n=26) had a high school education or less. Vaccine hesitancy among parents in this rural pediatric population appears to be driven by concerns about vaccine safety, exposure to misinformation, religious and philosophical beliefs, and distrust in the healthcare system. Addressing these factors through targeted education, provider communication, and community engagement may be essential for improving childhood immunization rates in this vulnerable population. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions to combat vaccine hesitancy in rural communities.

Sexual and preventive behaviors associated with HAV, HBV, and HPV vaccine hesitancy among men who have sex with men in France

ABSTRACT Vaccination coverage against hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomaviruses (HPV) is insufficient among men who have sex with men (MSM), partly because of their high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy (VH) specific to these vaccines. This study aimed to investigate determinants of specific VH in MSM, focusing on characteristics of their sexual activity, propensity to use prevention tools and medical care, disclosure of sexual orientation to health care professionals (HCPs), and perceived stigmatization. A cross-sectional electronic survey (February – August 2022) collected perceptions of HBV, HAV, and HPV, and of their respective vaccines among 3,730 French MSM and enabled the construction of a specific VH variable. Using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, we constructed a typology of MSM sexual and prevention practices. We identified three MSM clusters (low- (C1, 24%), moderate- (C2, 41%), and high- (C3, 35%) “sexual activity/medical engagement”) that showed an increasing gradient in the use of medical prevention with regular medical care and exposure to high-risk sexual practices. A multiple ordinal logistic regression showed that overall specific VH was higher in the C1 cluster and in men who had not informed their physician of their sexual orientation. This typology could usefully help to adapt vaccination communication strategies for MSM prevention program according to patients’ profiles. HCPs should be encouraged and trained to ask men about their sexual practices and to provide appropriate vaccination recommendations nonjudgmentally.

From Cotton Mather to Dr Fauci: Historical Markers of Vaccine Hesitancy.

Vaccine hesitancy became an important topic in the public discourse and academic research during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its history is as long as the history of immunization. One can find the same determinants of vaccine hesitancy, though in variable proportions, since the 1721 Boston smallpox epidemic. We aim to describe several historical immunization moments and analyze them using the vaccine hesitancy framework of the "5Cs" (ie, confidence, complacency, constraints, risk calculation, and collective responsibility).

From Cotton Mather to Dr Fauci: Historical Markers of Vaccine Hesitancy.

Vaccine hesitancy became an important topic in the public discourse and academic research during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its history is as long as the history of immunization. One can find the same determinants of vaccine hesitancy, though in variable proportions, since the 1721 Boston smallpox epidemic. We aim to describe several historical immunization moments and analyze them using the vaccine hesitancy framework of the "5Cs" (ie, confidence, complacency, constraints, risk calculation, and collective responsibility).

A qualitative inquiry on drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in Kenya.

COVID-19 vaccination rates have been low among adults in Kenya (36.7% as of late March 2023) with vaccine hesitancy posing a threat to the COVID-19 vaccination program. This study sought to examine facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations in Kenya. We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study in two purposively selected counties in Kenya. We collected data through 8 focus group discussions with 80 community members and 8 in-depth interviews with health care managers and providers. The data was analyzed using a framework approach focusing on determinants of vaccine hesitancy and their influence on psychological constructs. Barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake were related to individual characteristics (males, younger age, perceived health status, belief in herbal medicine, and the lack of autonomy in decision making among women - especially in rural settings), contextual influences (lifting of bans, myths, medical mistrust, cultural and religious beliefs), and COVID-19 vaccine related factors (fear of unknown consequences, side-effects, lack of understanding on how vaccines work and rationale for boosters). However, community health volunteers, trusted leaders, mandates, financial and geographic access influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake. These drivers of hesitancy mainly related to psychological constructs including confidence, complacency, and constraints. Vaccine hesitancy in Kenya is driven by multiple interconnected factors. These factors are likely to inform evidence-based targeted strategies that are built on trust to address vaccine hesitancy. These strategies could include gender responsive immunization programs, appropriate messaging and consistent communication that target fear, safety concerns, misconceptions and information gaps in line with community concerns. There is need to ensure that the strategies are tested in the local setting and incorporate a multisectoral approach including community health volunteers, religious leaders and community leaders.

Assessment of the Prevalence and Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Pakistan

Background Global efforts were critical in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, and the World Health Organization declared it no longer a public health emergency of international concern in May 2023. Pakistan faced six waves and used every available resource to combat the pandemic. Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are key to the success of preventative interventions. Objective The goal of this study was to examine KAP through an online study of the general population and to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan. Methods Between October and December 2021, a survey of the public was undertaken in several areas across Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed with questions focused on participant`s KAP, and statistical analyses were conducted to observe the normality of the data, knowledge, attitude and practice scores and the correlation between knowledge and attitude. Results Out of 688 participants surveyed, 98% expressing a preference for the vaccine over contracting the disease-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus. Overall, the study respondents had a positive attitude (95%) towards preventive measures to protect against pandemic-related issues and had more interest in the vaccine if it were provided free of cost and if the vaccine could be provided at their homes (74%). For participants in this study, knowledge and attitude remained dependent and positively correlated (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study identified limitations in public health communication techniques used to promote the COVID-19 vaccine that prevented widespread uptake of prevention measures. Additionally, this study revealed that age, education, and gender were statistically significant determinants for vaccine hesitancy (practices) and should likely be considered while making policies for health promotion programs.

Prevalence and determinants to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV in Bench Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A multi-center study

IntroductionIn 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Currently, vaccine hesitancy is the most common obstacle to reducing COVID-19 incidence and achieving herd immunity worldwide. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in this specific population is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake and protect vulnerable communities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who receive care at public health facilities in Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. MethodsA multi-center study was employed, involving multiple healthcare facilities within the Bench Sheko Zone from January 1 to 30 February 2023 to assess the prevalence and determinants of hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination among people living with human deficiency virus (PLHIV). Data were collected by using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaires and document review, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 then exported to and analyzed by using SPSS version 24. Statistical significance was assessed by using multivariable logistic regression analysis by determining odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. Multi-Collinearity and model fitness were also checked. ResultsAccording to the study, the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found to be 47.9%, [95% CI, 43.8–52.0]. One significant finding was that younger individuals (age ≤25years) [AOR = 2.30, 95%CI, 1.15–4.57] exhibited a higher level of hesitancy compared to their older counterparts. Additionally, the study identified monthly income≤3000 birr [AOR = 0.57, 95%CI, 0.31–0.92], urban residence [AOR = 0.61, 95%CI, 0.42–0.91], HIV stage one [AOR = 0.44, 95%CI, 0.27–0.73] and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical stage two of HIV [AOR = 0.60, 95CI, 0.39–0.93] as determinants of vaccine hesitancy. ConclusionAccording to our study finding in southwest Ethiopia, individuals living with HIV were found to have a higher level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as compared with center for disease control and prevention estimate of vaccine hesitancy. The study also identified several factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy, including age, urban of residence, income level, and HIV clinical stage. Addressing the identified factors in this specific population could decrease the hesitancy. To ensure the success of vaccination campaigns in the region, policymakers and stakeholders should take steps to address these underlying factors and promote greater acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the population.

Childhood vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19: an analysis based on the perception of health professionals

This article presents the results of a study on health professionals' perceptions of childhood vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19. Based on the theoretical construct of vaccine hesitancy, a qualitative study was conducted with 86 primary health care (PHC) workers in four municipalities in four Brazilian states and in the Federal District. A thematic analysis was performed and three categories were obtained: fear, misinformation about vaccines, and the role of health professionals. Fear as a reason for vaccine hesitancy has led to reflections on the Brazilian Federal Government's management of the pandemic, especially regarding governability and the consequences of the use of digital platforms on the population. Fear was related to the vaccine still being perceived as experimental; to the adverse reactions it may cause; to the lack of long-term studies; to the false perception of reduced risk of COVID-19 in children; and to the Federal Government's behavior, which creates uncertainty about the effects of the vaccine. Vaccine misinformation was related to fake news about the vaccine and its reactions; the phenomenon of infodemic and misinformation; and the lack of guidance and knowledge about vaccines. Finally, the article discusses the fundamental role of PHC workers in increasing vaccination coverage due to the trust among the population and proximity to the territories, factors that enable the reversal of fear and misinformation about vaccines. Throughout the study, authors' sought to show the convergences between the content of the themes outlined and the determinants of vaccine hesitancy and to consider possibilities for rebuilding high adherence to childhood vaccines.

Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Under-Vaccination among Marginalized Populations in the United States and Canada: A Scoping Review.

Amid persistent disparities in Covid-19 vaccination and burgeoning research on vaccine hesitancy (VH), we conducted a scoping review to identify multilevel determinants of Covid-19 VH and under-vaccination among marginalized populations in the U.S. and Canada. Using the scoping review methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute, we designed a search string and explored 7 databases to identify peer-reviewed articles published from January 1, 2020-October 25, 2022. We combine frequency analysis and narrative synthesis to describe factors influencing Covid-19 VH and under-vaccination among marginalized populations. The search captured 11,374 non-duplicated records, scoped to 103 peer-reviewed articles. Among 14 marginalized populations identified, African American/Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, American Indian/Indigenous, people with disabilities, and justice-involved people were the predominant focus. Thirty-two factors emerged as influencing Covid-19 VH, with structural racism/stigma and institutional mistrust (structural)(n = 71) most prevalent, followed by vaccine safety (vaccine-specific)(n = 62), side effects (vaccine-specific)(n = 50), trust in individual healthcare provider (social/community)(n = 38), and perceived risk of infection (individual)(n = 33). Structural factors predominated across populations, including structural racism/stigma and institutional mistrust, barriers to Covid-19 vaccine access due to limited supply/availability, distance/lack of transportation, no/low paid sick days, low internet/digital technology access, and lack of culturally- and linguistically-appropriate information. We identified multilevel and complex drivers of Covid-19 under-vaccination among marginalized populations. Distinguishing vaccine-specific, individual, and social/community factors that may fuel decisional ambivalence, more appropriately defined as VH, from structural racism/structural stigma and systemic/institutional barriers to vaccination access may better support evidence-informed interventions to promote equity in access to vaccines and informed decision-making among marginalized populations.

Routine childhood immunization in Sub-Saharan Africa: addressing parental vaccine hesitancy

ObjectivesParental vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a major barrier to childhood vaccination. We aimed to identify the determinants of parental VH towards routine childhood immunization in 12 Sub-Saharan African countries. Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 15, 2022. MethodsParents of children aged 19 months to 6 years and residing in the Sub-Saharan Africa were included. An anonymous online survey and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccine Scale was used to identify vaccine-hesitant parents. Multivariate regression and mediating analysis were performed. ResultsAcross the 5032 participants, 21.2% were hesitant towards routine childhood immunization. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.58), non-first-born children (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19–1.98), and chronically ill children (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.69–2.37) increased the likelihood of parental VH. Mothers with higher education, attending at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19–0.32), and had a healthcare facility–based delivery (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44–0.70) decreased the odds of parental VH. Parental VH mediated the effect of ANC and mothers' age on vaccination uptake. ANC increased the odds of vaccination uptake (odds ratio [OR] = 12.49, 95% CI: 9.68–16.13). Parental VH mediated the association between ANC and vaccination uptake, decreasing the likelihood of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.10–0.14). Each additional year of the mother's age decreased the odds of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.95–0.96). The indirect effect of mother's age on vaccination through parental VH decreased the odds of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.44–0.45). Parental VH continued to be a mediator of the combined effect of mother's age and ANC on vaccination uptake, decreasing the likelihood of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.0017, 95% CI: 0.00166–0.00168). ConclusionsContext-specific interventions are needed to address parental VH and improve vaccine acceptance and coverage.

The frequency and determinants of vaccine hesitancy among parents of preschool and kindergarten students in Edirne central district

PurposesThe aim of our study is to determine the frequency of vaccine hesitancy and the associated factors among parents with preschool children in a city center. Design and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among parents of preschool children in the central district of Edirne. The cluster sampling method was applied. The data collection tools consisted of a questionnaire designed by the researchers and The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) Scale. The correlations between vaccine hesitancy among parents factos such as the vaccine's content, adverse effects, religious beliefs, media coverage, reliance on community leaders, and the usage of complementary and alternative medical methods were examined. ResultsThe study group consisted of 315 individuals and the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among participants was determined to be 13%. The mean PACV scale score of the parents was 29.76 ± 16.62. According to multivariate analyses, the odds ratios (%95 CI) of variables that were statistically significantly associated with parental vaccine hesitancy were as follows: being a mother 8.77 (1.02–75.07), vaccine side effects 2.91 (0.93–9.16), low/equal income level 6.80 (2.45–18.86), low/high income level 5.74 (1.65–20.0), religious reasons 3.33 (1.34–8.25), and media influence 9.53 (3.75–24.18). ConclusionOverall, vaccine hesitancy was observed at one in every 7 parents in the central district of Edirne province, and the main determinants of hesitancy were low-income status, media influence and religious beliefs, advers effects and being mother. Community-based intervention programs should be established to combat vaccine hesitancy. Practical implicationsThe PACV scale is recommended for detecting community-based vaccine hesitancy.

National prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during the initial phase pandemic.

Although previous studies have explored the causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic, there is a lack of generality and reproducibility in these studies. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively identify the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through a representative nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in South Korea. We used a nationwide, representative, and large-scale dataset from the 2021 Community Health Survey. By analyzing 193,495 participants, we investigated the nationwide incidence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the various causes thereof. The national prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 5.7% (95% CI, 5.5-5.8). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was associated with an increased incidence of the following factors: (1) demographic factors including early-middle adulthood [vs. late; odds ratio (OR), 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38-1.65] and male sex (vs. female sex; OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14); (2) physically healthy subjects; (3) lower socio-economic status (vs. high household income; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.19-1.38); (4) having mental illness (vs. normal mental status; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13-1.38); and (5) unhealthy habits such as current smoking (vs. non-smoking; OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.13-1.31); and insufficient physical activity (vs. sufficient; OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17). Common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns about side effects (41.34%), health problems (24.60%), and inability to select the type of vaccine (14.13%). This representative large-scale nationwide study conducted in South Korea investigated the nationwide prevalence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Our results provide useful public health information, especially on novel aspects of vaccination strategies, for policymakers to improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy among Home Health Care Service Recipients in Saudi Arabia.

Vaccine hesitancy has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major worldwide health threat. Home Health Care (HHC) service recipients represent a vulnerable group and were prioritized to receive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination during the national vaccine campaigns in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to investigate the most frequent reasons for vaccine hesitancy among home health care recipients in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among home health care (HHC) service recipients in Saudi Arabia from February 2022 to September 2022. The behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) model developed by the WHO was used to understand the factors affecting vaccination decision making in our cohort. Of the 426 HHC service recipients enrolled in the study, a third were hesitant to complete the COVID-19 vaccination series. The most prevalent reported reason for COVID-19 vaccine refusal was concerns about the vaccine side effects (41.6%). Factors independently associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy were: having chronic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-5.05, p = 0.005), previous COVID-19 diagnosis (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28-0.82, p = 0.008), ease of getting the COVID-19 vaccine by themselves (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28-0.89, p = 0.018), belief in the importance of COVID-19 vaccine in protecting their health (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38-0.96, p = 0.032), and confidence in the safety of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21-0.69, p = 0.001). Only one-third of the study participants were hesitant to complete the series of COVID-19 vaccination. Understanding the factors underpinning vaccine hesitancy among this group would help healthcare workers and policymakers in developing personalized health awareness campaigns aimed at improving vaccine acceptance levels.

A novel adaptation of spatial interpolation methods to map health attitudes related to COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic presented substantial challenges to public health stakeholders working to vaccinate populations against the disease, particularly among vaccine hesitant individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Data on the determinants of vaccine hesitancy are scarce, and often available only at the national level. In this paper, our goal is to inform programmatic decision making in support of local vaccine uptake. Our analytical objectives to support this goal are to (1) reliably estimate attitudinal data at the hyperlocal level, and (2) estimate the loss of data heterogeneity among these attitudinal indicators at higher levels of aggregation. With hyperlocal attitudinal data on the determinants of vaccine hesitancy, public health stakeholders can better tailor interventions aimed at increasing uptake sub-nationally, and even down to the individual vaccination site or neighborhood.MethodsWe estimated attitudinal data on the determinants of vaccine hesitancy as framed by the WHO’s Confidence, Complacency, and Convenience (“3Cs”) Model of Vaccine Hesitancy using a nationally and regionally representative household survey of 4,922 adults aged 18 and above, collected in February 2022. This custom survey was designed to collect information on attitudes towards COVID-19 and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. A machine learning (ML) framework was used to spatially interpolate metrics representative of the 3Cs at a one square kilometer (1km2) resolution using approximately 130 spatial covariates from high-resolution satellite imagery, and 24 covariates from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).ResultsSpatial interpolated hyperlocal estimates of the 3Cs captured significant information on attitudes towards COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. The interpolated estimates held increased heterogeneity within each subsequent level of disaggregation, with most variation at the 1km2 level.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that a) attitudinal data can be successfully estimated at the hyperlocal level, and b) the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy have large spatial variance that cannot be captured through national surveys alone. Access to community level attitudes toward vaccine safety and efficacy; vaccination access, time, and financial burden; and COVID-19 beliefs and infection concerns presents novel implications for public health practitioners and policymakers seeking to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake through more customized community-level interventions.

Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers and the effect of nudging interventions: A mixed methods study

BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) has a critical role because of their high-risk exposure and being a role model. Therefore, we aimed to investigate vaccine hesitancy and the role of mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and education for vaccine uptake. MethodsWe conducted an explanatory sequential designed observational mixed-methods study, including quantitative and qualitative sections consecutively in two different pandemic hospitals between 15 September 2021 and 1 April 2022. The characteristics of vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs were compared. The vaccine hesitancy scales were applied, and the effect of nudging, such as mandatory PCR and education, were evaluated. In-depth interviews were performed to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWs according to Health Belief Model. ResultsIn total, 3940 HCWs were included. Vaccine hesitancy was more common among males than females, the ancillary workers than other health professions, and nonmedical departments than other departments. After the mandatory weekly PCR request nudge, 83.33 % (130/156) vaccine-hesitant HCWs were vaccinated, and 8.3 % (13/156) after the small group seminars and mandatory PCR every two days. The rate of COVID-19 vaccination was raised from 95.5 % to 99.67 % (3927/3940). At the end of in-depth interviews (n = 13), the vaccine hesitancy determinants were distrust, fear of uncertainty, immune confidence and spirituality, the media effect, social pressure, and obstinacy. ConclusionsThe nudging interventions such as mandatory PCR testing and small group seminars helped raise the rate of COVID-19 vaccination; the most effective one is mandatory PCR.

A cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in peri-urban areas in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Vaccination is a potential public health solution for the prevention of infection. It reduces the severity of symptoms in the case of COVID-19. Despite the availability of vaccines, some people are hesitant to be vaccinated. The objectives of this study were to measure the proportion of vaccine hesitancy among the peri-urban population and identify its determinants. An adult population of 303 from two peri-urban areas in the field practice area of the Urban Health Training Center, Rama Medical College, was interviewed from February 22 to March 25, 2021. Epicollect 5 was used for collecting data, and STATA 16 was used for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to compute the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval) to find out the determinants of vaccine hesitancy. The 3Cs model-guided tools were used for data collection and analysis. More than one-fourth (28%) of the participants were vaccine-hesitant, whereas 34.6% had no confidence in the vaccine. Other reasons were complacency (40.6%) and convenience (35.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with gender [AOR=2.40 (1.12-5.16)] and trust in government [AOR=0.18 (0.08-0.45)], but there was no association with age group, political affiliation, or source of information about the vaccine. It is important to build people's trust in vaccines, make them convenient, and resolve the issues that are making them complacent. The health system needs to involve non-governmental organizations to reach out to those for whom there are issues of availability and approach.

Determinants of vaccine hesitancy towards pediatric and adolescent vaccinations and interventions aimed at contrasting that issue in Europe: an overview of systematic reviews

Determinants of vaccine hesitancy towards pediatric and adolescent vaccinations and interventions aimed at contrasting that issue in Europe: an overview of systematic reviews

Determinants of Children Vaccine Hesitancy among the Parents of Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Vaccine hesitancy for children immunization vaccine programs in parents is one of key topics in public health in the Global South including most of Pakistan. However, in the erstwhile Federally Administered Areas (FATA) which are now merged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known as Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), there is a dearth of such research. This study aimed to fill this void. Through two-staged sampling, 384 participants were selected and administered with WHO SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy Scale along with open-ended question for quantum and determinants of vaccine hesitancy. The study found that more than one third of the parents (35.41%) are severely hesitant regarding their children routine immunization while more than half (55.72) are moderately resistant which is alarming. Major factors affecting vaccine hesitancy are negative perceptions about vaccination (22.14%), religious conspiracies (14.06%), lack of information about vaccination (11.72%), fears of adverse effects (11.7%), Western funding for vaccination (6.25%) demand of other life necessities from the Government (7.81%) and few others. Interestingly, Odd Ratios (OR) values revealed that sever hesitancy is more prevalent in those who has both formal education and religious education (OR=19.4, p>.001) than only formally educated or religiously educated parents, this point need further investigation. Similarly, parents who has availed Seht Sahulat Card, sever hesitancy (OR=1.5, p>.001) in them was less than those who didn’t avail it (OR=1.3, p>.001). Results also showed that moderate hesitancy is more prevalent in high-income parents than middle- and lower-income parents. Expanded Program of Immunization – EPI was operational in NMDs (former FATA), but it got momentum recently, still there is alarming vaccine hesitancy in these areas. This call for a comprehensive and all-stakeholders inclusive strategy to eradicate this vaccine hesitancy in these vulnerable tribal areas of Pakistan.