Positive Vaccine Attitudes Research Articles

Effects of religious and cultural beliefs on vaccine attitudes in a Hispanic immigrant population in the United States.

Hispanic Immigrants (HI) have lower vaccination rates than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Culturally appropriate interventions are more influential in evoking change among viewers; therefore, it is important to understand the cultural factors of specific ethnic groups. In this study, we identify cultural barriers to vaccination of Hispanic Immigrants. An electronic survey was administered among HI parents living in the United States. Using structural equation modeling, we found that high religious practice and positive religious beliefs towards vaccination correspond with positive vaccine attitudes (+0.20 and +0.587, respectively). Trust in institutions is strongly correlated with strong positive vaccine attitudes (+0.734). While trusting one's folk practitioner more than a medical doctor leads to negative vaccine attitudes (-0.596), the use of home remedies is associated with positive vaccine attitudes (+0.486). The cultural competence of a medical practitioner, especially regarding folk medicine, is essential to lower cultural barriers HI patients face in vaccination.

Interdependency or submission to authority? The impacts of horizontal and vertical collectivist orientation on vaccine attitudes in mainland China.

Culture has a profound impact on preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research has revealed that collectivism is associated with more effective responses to COVID-19 on the national or regional level. However, the impact of different components of collectivist orientation on vaccine attitudes remains insufficiently explored on the individual level. Two survey studies conducted in August 2021 in mainland China consistently found that individual-level horizontal collectivist orientation, rather than vertical collectivist orientation, was linked with more favourable vaccine attitudes. Specifically, Study 1 (N = 731) indicated that horizontal collectivist orientation was positive associated with vaccination intention indirectly via risk perception, and horizontal collectivist orientation was also positively associated with vaccination persuasion both directly and indirectly via risk perception. Study 2 (N = 1481), employing multilevel modelling, demonstrated that the link between horizontal collectivist orientation and confidence in vaccines remained robust regardless of provincial-level variations in socioeconomic development and cultural tightness. These findings convergently suggest that the positive vaccine attitudes among mainland Chinese are primarily driven by an amplified risk perception due to concern for others, rather than submission to authority.

COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among mental health professionals in the WHO’s global clinical practice network

Although COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated efficacy, there is variability in health professionals’ attitudes towards these agents. Factors associated with mental health professionals’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination are not well understood. We investigated these factors by administering a newly developed measure, the COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes Questionnaire (C-VAQ), to members of the World Health Organization’s Global Clinical Practice Network (GCPN) of mental health professionals. 1,931 GCPN members representing all world regions participated between July 28 and September 7, 2021. Mental health professionals’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were assessed in one of five languages (Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish) using the C-VAQ. Internal consistency, factor structure, and predictive validity of the C-VAQ were examined, and a multiple-linear regression model was employed to assess C-VAQ score predictors, including sociodemographic variables (age, gender, WHO region, country income level, profession, and years of professional experience) as well as country mortality rate and the stringency of each country’s response to COVID-19. The C-VAQ demonstrated good internal consistency and external validity. Items loaded on to a single factor. Having received a COVID-19 vaccine, higher country mortality rate, and higher stringency index was significantly associated with more positive vaccine attitudes. Lower age, residing in a low-and-middle income country, and living in Asia were all was significantly associated with less positive vaccine attitudes. The C-VAQ scores were negatively correlated with the number of concerns about the COVID-19 vaccination. The C-VAQ was useful in demonstrating the extent to which additional work is needed to improve mental health professionals’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines globally. Relatively poorer attitudes toward vaccination among some mental health clinicians around the world suggests the need for broad, multi-pronged interventions.

Psychosocial correlates of parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

Public health guidance recommended that children who are 6 months or older be vaccinated against COVID-19 in June of 2022. In the U.S., 56% of children under 17 had not received the COVID-19 vaccination in 2023. We examine parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 using the theory of planned behavior in order to design effective strategies to promote vaccine uptake. The Philadelphia Community Engagement Alliance is part of an NIH community-engaged consortium focused on addressing COVID-19 disparities across the U.S. We surveyed 1,008 Philadelphia parents (mean age 36.86, SD 6.55; 42.3% racial/ethnic minorities) between September 2021 and February 2022, a period when guidance for child vaccination was anticipated. Structural Equation Modeling analysis examined associations between parental willingness and vaccine-related attitudes, norms, and perceived control. Covariates included parents' COVID-19 vaccination status, race/ethnicity, gender, and survey completion post-CDC pediatric COVID-19 vaccination guidelines. Subgroup analyses by race/ethnicity and gender were conducted. Our model demonstrated good fit (χ2 = 907.37, df = 419, p<0.001; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.951; non-normed fit index [NNFI] = 0.946; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.034 with 95% CI = 0.030-0.038). Attitudes ([Formula: see text] = 0.447, p<0.001) and subjective norms ([Formula: see text] = 0.309, p = 0.002) were predictors of intention. Racial/ethnic minority parents exhibited weaker vaccination intentions ([Formula: see text] = -0.053, p = 0.028) than non-Hispanic White parents. Parents' attitudes and norms influence their vaccination intentions. Despite the survey predating widespread child vaccine availability, findings are pertinent given the need to increase and sustain pediatric vaccinations against COVID-19. Interventions promoting positive vaccine attitudes and prosocial norms are warranted. Tailored interventions and diverse communication strategies for parental subgroups may be useful to ensure comprehensive and effective vaccination initiatives.

Cross-sectional study on intention to be vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Benin and Senegal: A structural equation modeling (SEM).

Vaccination is considered one of the solutions to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a small proportion of the population were fully vaccinated in Benin (20.9%) and Senegal (7.6%) by December 2022. This study explores the determinants of intent to vaccinate. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 865 Beninese and 813 Senegalese aged 18 years and older. Marginal quota sampling by age, gender and region was adopted. Data collection, using a survey instrument based on the Random Digit Dialing method, was conducted from December 24, 2020, to January 16, 2021, in Senegal and from March 29 to May 14, 2021, in Benin. The questionnaire used the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model. The influence of factors was assessed using a structural equation model based on a diagonally weighted least squares estimator to account for ordered categorical data (Likert scales). In Benin and Senegal, the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 is influenced by distinct factors. In Benin, social influence (β = 0.42, p = 0.003) and perception of vaccine safety (β = -0.53, p<0.001) play pivotal roles, suggesting those socially influenced have a higher vaccination intention. In Senegal, vaccination intentions are primarily driven by positive attitudes towards the vaccine (β = 0.65, p = 0.013) and social influence (β = 0.25, p = 0.048). This underscores the importance of individual beliefs, personal perceptions, and supportive social contexts in decision-making. Notably, positive vaccination attitudes and perceptions in both countries are strongly tied to increased social influence. While nuances exist between Benin and Senegal regarding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions, both nations underscore the pivotal roles of social influence and individual vaccination perceptions. Emphasizing trust in vaccine safety and promoting positive attitudes through effective communication are crucial for enhancing vaccination uptake in these West African countries.

Factors Influencing Childhood Influenza Vaccination: A Systematic Review.

Childhood influenza vaccination coverage remains low in lower/middle-income countries. This systematic review aims to identify influencing factors around childhood influenza vaccination. A systematic literature review was conducted and included empirical studies with original data that investigated factors influencing childhood influenza vaccination. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Global Health, PsycINFO, and two Chinese databases, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and Chongqing VIP, using a combination of the key terms 'childhood', 'influenza', 'vaccination', and related syntax for all peer-reviewed publications published before December 2019. Thirty studies were included in the analysis. Childhood influenza vaccination was positively associated with caregivers' knowledge of influenza vaccine, positive vaccine attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility and severity of influenza, believing in the efficacy of influenza vaccine, the worry of getting sick, healthcare workers' recommendations, and previous influenza vaccination experiences. Barriers included the fear of safety and side effects of the vaccine, as well as poor access to vaccination service. To improve childhood influenza vaccine uptake, health education is necessary to address caregivers' lack of confidence on vaccine safety. Future studies are needed to investigate influencing factors around healthcare workers' vaccination recommendation behaviors and the impact of contextual factors on public vaccination behaviors.

Üçüncü basamak bir hastanede COVID-19 aşısı yaptıran bireylerin COVID-19 hastalık algısı ve aşıya yönelik tutumlarının değerlendirilmesi

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate COVID-19 disease perceptions, reasons for getting vaccinated, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine of individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods: In our cross-sectional, descriptive study, people who came to Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital Vaccine Polyclinic between 01.02.2022 and 31.03.2022 and had COVID-19 vaccine were included in our study. Individuals under the age of 18, healthcare workers, people with active mental illness and those who could not communicate verbally were excluded from the study. Results: Of the personnel participating in our study, 282 (47.9%) were male and 307 (52.1%) were female.The results of the Scale of Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination, age, gender, education status, reasons for vaccination, next COVID-19 vaccination a statistically significant relationship was found between the variables of thinking about getting the vaccine and thinking that they have enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine (p=0.044, p=0.001, p=0.021, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001). With the COVID-19 disease perception scale, education status, getting influenza vaccination, thinking about getting the next COVID-19 vaccine, thinking that they have enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine, There was a significant difference in the reasons for being vaccinated (p=0.021, p=0,031, p=0.015, p=0.017, p&lt;0.001). A statistically significant relationship was found between the Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Vaccine Scale and the COVID-19 disease perception scale (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: As a result of our study, we found that individuals who vaccinated on a voluntary basis had positive COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and higher perceptions of COVID-19 contagion. In addition, we have shown that the attitude towards the vaccine and the perception of the disease affect the desire to have the next dose of vaccination. We think that the reasons for the negative attitude towards the vaccine and the inadequacy in the perception of the disease in the society should be determined and the necessary training should be given.

Factors related to human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and intentions among adults aged 18-26 and 27-45 years in the United States: A cross-sectional study.

The current study examined self-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake and intentions, and associations with psychosocial constructs among United States adults aged 18 to 26 and 27 to 45 years. Data were collected via an online survey from participants recruited from a research panel. Outcomes were HPV vaccination uptake and intentions. Multivariable binary and ordered logistic regression models were used to examine associations between HPV vaccination outcomes and psychosocial constructs, sociodemographics, and previous health behaviors. HPV vaccination uptake in both age cohorts (N= 2722) was associated with multiple variables, including but not limited to: provider recommendation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.63 [95% CI, 7.70-17.56] and aOR, 14.26 [95% CI, 9.52-21.38], for those aged 18 to 26 and 27 to 45 years, respectively) and positive HPV vaccine attitudes (aOR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.70-3.40] and aOR, 1.46 [95% CI,1.06-2.02]). Among those who did not report or were unsure of prior HPV vaccination (N=1894), only 4.6% and 8.1% (aged 18-26 and 27-45 years, respectively) reported being very likely to receive the HPV vaccine in the next year. Increased intentions were associated with more positive vaccine attitudes (aOR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.91-3.15] and aOR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.72-2.78]) and provider recommendation (yes vs no; aOR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.38-2.83] and aOR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.31-2.52]; don't know/can't remember vs no; aOR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.03-1.84] and aOR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.17-2.18]). Sociodemographics and health behaviors associated with increased intentions differed for each age cohort. Individual and interpersonal factors were associated with HPV vaccination uptake and intentions. Findings reveal the need for targeted interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates among these age groups.

Factors associated with parental COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and intentions among a national sample of United States adults ages 18–45

PurposeThis study explored factors associated with parents' attitudes and intentions to seek information about the COVID-19 vaccine for their children (ages 0–18) and intentions to vaccinate their age-eligible children. Design and methodsAs part of an anonymous online cross-sectional survey, parents' vaccine attitudes, COVID-19 vaccine intentions for their children, health literacy, health numeracy, and sociodemographic variables were assessed. Multivariable ordered logistic regression models identified factors associated with parents' COVID-19 vaccine intentions for their children. ResultsParents/guardians (n = 963) were mostly White (82.3%), insured (88.0%), and college graduates (57.3%). Men reported higher intentions than women to seek information about the COVID-19 vaccine for their children (p = 0.003) and higher intentions to vaccinate their children (p = 0.049). Parental characteristics associated with increased intentions to have their children vaccinated included higher educational attainment (p < 0.001), more positive general vaccine attitudes (p < 0.001), preference for health information in a language other than English (p = 0.006), higher income (p = 0.048), having health insurance (p = 0.05), health literacy (p = 0.024), and health numeracy (p = 0.049). ConclusionsMultiple sociodemographic characteristics including male gender, higher health literacy and numeracy, and language preference are noteworthy factors associated with parental COVID-19 vaccine intentions that could inform the planning and implementation of educational interventions. Practice implicationsNurses are important sources of trusted information and play an important role in parent/family health education and in understanding myriad factors that may improve attitudes and enhance readiness toward vaccine uptake. Our findings emphasize the potential value of examining tailored/targeted COVID-19 vaccine education according to key influencing factors.

A Protocol of a Pilot Experimental Study Using Social Network Interventions to Examine the Social Contagion of Attitudes Towards Childhood Vaccination in Parental Social Networks

Increasing vaccination hesitancy that burdens global health and safety can be attributed to multiple reasons. Individuals’ social environment seems to be the catalyst for vaccination hesitancy perpetuation, thus it is important to examine the influence of different social network mechanisms in vaccination attitudes’ contagion. The proposed pilot experiment will examine the social contagion of childhood vaccination attitudes within a parental community using social network interventions. By identifying centrally-located people or groups of like-minded individuals from a parents’ community, we will examine whether the position of a person within a social group can have a greater impact in spreading positive vaccination messages to other community members. Parents will be recruited from social media and will be randomly assigned into three groups. Firstly, each group will participate in an online game to map their social networks and identify members with certain network position, who will then receive a short training about valid vaccination information provisions. All groups’ members will participate in daily vaccination discussion groups for one week, where the selected members will spread positive vaccination attitudes to others. We hypothesize that centrally located individuals and like-minded group of people will more likely cause a change on the childhood-vaccination attitudes and will sustain a long-term change at 3 months follow-up, compared to randomly located people.

Assessment of COVID-19 Anxiety Levels and Attitudes to COVID-19 Vaccine among Older Adults in Poland: A Pilot Study.

The fear of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 has become widespread, especially among older adults. Information campaigns to promote mass vaccination against COVID-19 are a key element in controlling and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their success primarily depends on vaccination coverage in a given population. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of COVID-19 anxiety and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines among older adults in Poland. This pilot study was conducted among a total of 127 older participants, including 108 students (85%) of Third Age Universities in Bialystok and 19 patients (15%) of the Department and Clinic of Geriatrics of the Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Bialystok. The study used a diagnostic survey based on an author-designed questionnaire and four standardized psychometric tools: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), The Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID19S), and Scale to Measure the Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Acceptance (The VAC-COVID-19 Scale). COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the study group was 88.2%, with three doses in most cases. We found a negative vaccination status only in women taking part in the study. Men scored significantly higher on DrVac-COVID19S and its Value subscale, and markedly lower on FCV-19S. We did not observe significant differences in the scales' scores between age groups. Respondents recruited from the Third Age Universities had significantly higher scores than geriatric clinic patients in the Knowledge subscale of DrVac-COVID19S. In the case of FCV-19S, no correlation with the results obtained in other scales used in the study was found. Additionally, no correlation was found between CAS scores and the following scales: DrVac-COVID19S (total), DrVac-COVID19S Knowledge (K) subscale, DrVac-COVID19S Autonomy (A) subscale and VAC-COVID-19-Scale-positive subscale. The other scales were strongly correlated with each other-the correlations were statistically significant. Subjective COVID-19 anxiety in the study group was moderate. Seniors were more likely to show positive vaccine attitudes, as confirmed by the percentage of respondents vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose. However, there is still a percentage of unvaccinated individuals in the population of seniors; therefore, measures should be taken to motivate this age group and encourage preventive vaccination against COVID-19. Furthermore, representative studies on COVID-19 anxiety and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine among Polish seniors are needed to determine a more precise prevalence of these phenomena and potential correlations on a national level.

Inoculation works and health advocacy backfires: Building resistance to COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in a low political trust context.

This study examines the effectiveness of the inoculation strategy in countering vaccine-related misinformation among Hong Kong college students. A three-phase between-subject experiment (n = 123) was conducted to compare the persuasive effects of inoculation messages (two-sided messages forewarning about misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines), supportive messages (conventional health advocacy), and no message control. The results show that inoculation messages were superior to supportive messages at generating resistance to misinformation, as evidenced by more positive vaccine attitudes and stronger vaccine intention. Notably, while we expected the inoculation condition would produce more resistance than the control condition, there was little evidence in favor of this prediction. Attitudinal threat and counterarguing moderated the experimental effects; issue involvement and political trust were found to directly predict vaccine attitudes and intention. The findings suggest that future interventions focus on developing preventive mechanisms to counter misinformation and spreading inoculation over the issue is an effective strategy to generate resistance to misinformation. Interventions should be cautious about using health advocacy initiated by governments among populations with low political trust.

The impact of the AstraZeneca suspensions on the public’s vaccination intentions and trust

Abstract Background In spring 2021, several countries, among which the Netherlands, suspended vaccinations against COVID-19 with the Vaxzevria vaccine from AstraZeneca (AZ) after reports of rare but severe adverse events (SAE). We investigated the impact of this news and the suspension on the Dutch public’s COVID-19 vaccination intentions, COVID-19 vaccination perceptions (attitudes and feelings) and their trust in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Methods We conducted two surveys (N = 2628), one shortly before the AZ suspension in the Netherlands and one shortly thereafter when all vaccinations were resumed. Chi2 tests were conducted to study changes in COVID-19 vaccination perceptions, intentions and trust before and after the suspension, and differences between perceptions and intentions regarding AZ vaccines compared to COVID-19 vaccines in general. All variables were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Results No significant changes were observed in COVID-19 vaccination perceptions and intentions, but trust in the campaign declined slightly (mean diff.(ΔM)=-0.2, 95% CI=-0.3/-0.2). In addition, compared to COVID-19 vaccinations in general, respondents were less likely to vaccinate with AZ (ΔM=-0.7, 95% CI=-0.7/-0.7), reported less positive vaccine attitudes (ΔM=-0.7, 95% CI=-0.7/-0.7), and more negative feelings (ΔM=0.5, 95% CI = 0.4/0.5). Conclusions The news on SAE and the AZ suspension might have caused a decline in trust in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as well as negatively impacted AZ vaccination perceptions and intentions. These results stress the need to adapt vaccination policies to anticipated public perceptions and responses following a vaccine safety scare, as well as the importance of informing citizens about the possibility of very rare SAE prior to the introduction of novel vaccines. Key messages • Trust in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign declined following the news on rare but severe adverse events (SAE) and the suspension of AstraZeneca vaccines. • While the news on SAE and the vaccination suspension did not seem to impact COVID-19 vaccination intentions in general, intentions to vaccinate with AstraZeneca were considerably lower.

Using dialogues to increase positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in a vaccine-hesitant UK population.

Recently, Altay et al. (Altay et al. 2021. J. Exp.Psychol.: Appl. (doi:10.1037/xap0000400)) showed that 5 min of interaction with a chatbot led to increases in positive COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and intentions in a French population. Here we replicate this effect in a vaccine-hesitant, UK-based population. We attempt to isolate what made the chatbot condition effective by controlling the amount of information provided, the trustworthiness of the information and the level of interactivity. Like Altay et al., our experiment allowed participants to navigate a branching dialogue by choosing questions of interest about COVID-19 vaccines. Our control condition used the same questions and answers but removed participant choice by presenting the dialogues at random. Importantly, we also targeted those who were either against or neutral towards COVID-19 vaccinations to begin with, screening-out those with already positive attitudes. Replicating Altay et al., we found a similar size increase in positive attitudes towards vaccination, and in intention to get vaccinated. Unlike Altay et al., we found no difference between our two conditions: choosing the questions did not increase vaccine attitudes or intentions any more than our control condition. These results suggest that the attitudes of the vaccine hesitant are modifiable with exposure to in-depth, trustworthy and engaging dialogues.

Cautious Sexual Attitudes Diminish Intent to Vaccinate Children against HPV in Utah

Although most Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are mild and are cleared by the immune system, some high-risk HPV strains can cause various cancers. Vaccines have been developed that protect against high-risk HPV strains. HPV vaccines have been approved for use by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and are recommended for everyone aged 11–26. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, uptake is low. HPV vaccine uptake has been extensively studied on a national and international level, but less is known about vaccine acceptance on a state or local level. The state of Utah, in the United States of America, has a relatively low HPV vaccination rate. In this study, we identified factors that impact the intent of Utah parents to vaccinate their children against HPV. A survey was distributed electronically to Utah residents. Survey results were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and univariate analysis. Knowledge about HPV and positive vaccine attitudes had the greatest positive effect on intent to vaccinate children against HPV. Cautious sexual attitudes and high religious practice were found to have a negative impact on intent to vaccinate. Effective public health messaging will consider the cultural and religious influences of the target population.

Do Side Effects to the Primary COVID-19 Vaccine Reduce Intentions for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?

BackgroundVaccines are being administered worldwide to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine boosters are essential for maintaining immunity and protecting against virus variants. The side effects of the primary COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., headache, nausea), however, could reduce intentions to repeat the vaccination experience, thereby hindering global inoculation efforts.PurposeThe aim of this research was to test whether side effects of a primary COVID-19 vaccine relate to reduced intentions to receive a COVID-19 booster. The secondary aim was to test whether psychological and demographic factors predict booster intentions.MethodsSecondary data analyses were conducted on a U.S. national sample of 551 individuals recruited through the online platform Prolific. Key measures in the dataset were side effects reported from a primary COVID-19 vaccination and subsequent intentions to receive a booster vaccine. Psychological and demographic variables that predicted primary vaccination intentions in prior studies were also measured.ResultsBooster intentions were high. COVID-19 booster vaccine intentions were uncorrelated with the number of side effects, intensity of side effects, or occurrence of an intense side effect from the primary COVID-19 vaccine. Correlational and regression analyses indicated intentions for a booster vaccination increased with positive vaccination attitudes, trust in vaccine development, worry about the COVID-19 pandemic, low concern over vaccine side effects, and democratic political party affiliation.ConclusionsSide effects of a primary COVID-19 vaccine were not directly associated with lower intentions to receive a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine early in the pandemic. However, many variables that predict primary vaccination intentions also predict booster intentions.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake and attitudes towards mandates in a nationally representative U.S. sample.

Widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccination is vital to curtailing the pandemic, yet rates remain suboptimal in the U.S. Vaccine mandates have previously been successful, but are controversial. An April 2021 survey of a nationally representative sample (N = 1208) examined vaccine uptake, attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Sixty-seven percent were vaccine acceptors, 14% wait-and-see, and 19% non-acceptors. Compared to wait-and-see and non-acceptors, acceptors were more likely to have a household member over age 65, have received a flu shot, have positive COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, and view COVID-19 vaccination as beneficial. Mandate support was higher among respondents who were vaccine acceptors, had positive views about COVID-19 vaccines, believed in COVID-19 preventive strategies, perceived COVID-19 as severe, were liberal, resided in the Northeast, were non-White, and had incomes < $75,000. Public health campaigns should target attitudes that appear to drive hesitancy and prepare for varying mandate support based on demographics, COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, and the scope of the mandate.

Factors Associated With COVID-19 Behavioral Intentions: Findings From an Online Survey.

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic provides a novel context through which to evaluate salient factors for promoting behavioral change. We examined how attitudes, perceived community behaviors, and prior related behaviors predict intentions to (1) receive COVID-19 vaccination and (2) practice social distancing.DesignCross-sectional online survey administered through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk in September 2020.SubjectsA convenience sample of US adults (N = 1804).MeasuresCOVID-19 vaccination and social distancing intentions were measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Predictor variables included general vaccination and social distancing attitudes, perceived community mask-wearing, prior influenza vaccination, prior social distancing, and socio-demographics.AnalysisDescriptive statistics and linear regressions.ResultsThirty percent of respondents reported a strong willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, while 67% strongly intended to engage in social distancing. In regression analyses, vaccination intention was predicted by positive vaccine attitudes (b = .84; 95%CI: .78, .90; P < .001), prior influenza vaccination (b = −.47; 95%CI: −.63, −.32; P < .001), and perceived community mask-wearing (b = −.28; 95%CI: −.56, −.01; P=.049). Intention to practice social distancing was predicted by positive attitudes (b = .65; 95%CI: .61, .69; P < .001), prior social distancing (b = −.49; 95%CI: −.59, −.39; P < .001), and perceived community mask-wearing (b = −.28; 95%CI: −.46, −.09; P = .003).ConclusionFindings have implications for health promotion efforts. Messages that are targeted and tailored on pre-existing attitudes may be more effective. Additionally, leveraging prior behaviors and perceived community behavior may improve communication strategies.

Perceptions of the safety of vaccines and vaccine associated knowledge levels in Europe: A 2019 cross-sectional study in 28 countries

Vaccination has saved millions of lives. Vaccine hesitancy was recently declared a major threat to health by the World Health Organisation. Sociodemographic variables and knowledge level about vaccines have been suggested previously to affect vaccine uptake.This study aimed to investigate how levels of vaccination knowledge and concerns around safety of vaccines varied across sociodemographic factors in the European Union and United Kingdom. Levels and sources of knowledge and vaccine attitude patterns were examined across different areas of Europe.Data from the March 2019 Eurobarometer survey was used in this study which had 27,524 participants across the European Union and the United Kingdom. Two-level logistic and linear regressions were used to look for associations between sociodemographic variables, vaccine attitudes and knowledge level.Those who trusted information from healthcare workers and healthcare authorities were most likely to have positive vaccine attitudes; those trusting internet sources the most were the least likely. Those with greater vaccine related knowledge were more likely to report positive vaccination attitudes.Healthcare workers are key to dissemination of vaccination advice however many are becoming hesitant themselves. An increasing number of people are seeking online sources for vaccination information, and this has implications with information accuracy and vaccine hesitancy. A considerable proportion of the adult population in the European Union and the United Kingdom was concerned about the safety or side effects of vaccines. Continued efforts to increase trust in vaccines both in whole populations and specific groups are needed.

COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers: A Single-Center Experience.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of developing COVID-19 due to their professional exposition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assesses the intention of vaccination against COVID-19 before the vaccines were approved, and the rate of vaccine uptake during the first nine months of immunization among HCWs. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was carried out during July 2020 in University Clinical Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa in Belgrade, Serbia that included 62.8% of all HCWs. Besides serological testing for IgG antibodies, data about HCWs’ intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination if a vaccine became available were collected. This cohort of HCWs was followed up until the end of October 2021 to assess the number of vaccinated and PCR-positive staff. In the cross-sectional study, 18.3% HCWs had positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies without difference with IgG-negative HCWs regarding age, gender, profession type, and years of service. Before vaccines became available, a significantly higher percentage of IgG-positive HCWs compared to IgG-negative HCWs was unsure whether to be vaccinated (62.5% vs. 49.0%), and significantly fewer stated that they would not be vaccinated (16.7% vs. 25.1%). When the vaccines became available in Serbia, among IgG-negative HCWs, those who stated clear positive (yes) and clear negative (no) attitude toward vaccination before the immunization period had begun were vaccinated at 28% and 20%, respectively, while 51% of unsure HCWs received a vaccine (p = 0.006). Among IgG-positive HCWs, there was no statistical difference in vaccine uptake regarding those with previous negative, positive, and unsure opinions about vaccination (p = 0.498). In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with uptake were being female (OR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.04–3.55), age of 30–59 years, previously vaccine-unsure (OR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.04–3.25), and those with previous positive vaccine attitudes (OR = 2.48; 95%CI:1.23–5.01), while nurses were less likely to become vaccinated (OR = 0.39 95% CI: 0.20–0.75) These findings indicate a positive change in attitudes of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccination.