Vaccine Preparedness Research Articles

Motivational interview-based health mediator interventions increase intent to vaccinate among disadvantaged individuals

ABSTRACT Coverage for recommended COVID-19 and diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP) booster shots is often inadequate, especially among disadvantaged populations. To help health mediators (HMs) involved in outreach programs deal with the problems of vaccine hesitancy (VH) in these groups, we trained them in motivational interviewing (MI). We evaluated the effectiveness of this training among HMs on their MI knowledge and skills (objective 1) and among the interviewees on their vaccination readiness (VR) and intention to get vaccinated or accept a booster against COVID-19 and/or DTP (objective 2). Two MI specialists trained 16 HMs in a two-day workshop in May 2022. The validated MISI questionnaire evaluated HMs’ acquisition of MI knowledge and skills (objective 1). Trained HMs offered an MI-based intervention on vaccination to people in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Marseille (France). Those who consented completed a questionnaire before and after the interview to measure VR with the 7C scale and intentions regarding vaccination/booster against COVID-19 and DTP (objective 2). The training resulted in HMs acquiring good MI skills (knowledge, application, self-confidence in using it). HMs enrolled 324 interviewees, 96% of whom completed both questionnaires. VR increased by 6%, and intentions to get vaccinated or update COVID-19 and DTP vaccination increased by 74% and 52% respectively. Nearly all interviewees were very satisfied with the interview, although 21% still had questions about vaccination. HMs assimilated MI principles well. MI use in outreach programs appears to show promise in improving vaccine confidence and intentions among disadvantaged people.

Information Theory: Applications to the Study of Mutation Dynamics

This study investigates the mutation dynamics of viral genomes using computational methods and information theory. The analysis focuses on Influenza-A virus genomes collected from Tianjin, China, between November 2009 and February 2011. The GENetic Information Entropy Spectra (GENIES) software is employed to calculate the information entropy (IE) of viral genomes and to compare them against a reference genome. The analysis reveals frequent mutation sites, with adenine (A) exhibiting the highest mutation frequency. The study provides valuable insights into the mutation patterns and dynamics of the analysed genomes, however, limitations in data size and the capabilities of the software are acknowledged, highlighting the need for further research and larger datasets to validate and expand upon these findings. Overall, this computational approach demonstrates the potential of using information theory and GENIES to enhance our understanding of viral mutation dynamics, with implications for vaccine design and preparedness for future viral strains.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine readiness and hesitancy among adults in sub-Saharan Africa.

There is very limited data on the extent and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults living in sub-Saharan Africa since the global roll-out of vaccines began in 2021. This multi-country survey sought to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and other predictors of readiness to get vaccinated. We conducted surveys among adults residing in nine urban and rural areas in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania in late 2021. Log binomial regression models were used to identify prevalence and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and beliefs around COVID-19 misinformation. We completed a total of 2,833 interviews. Among all respondents, 9% had never heard of a COVID-19 vaccine, 12% had been vaccinated, and 20% knew someone else who had been vaccinated. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy varied by country (Ethiopia 29%, Burkina Faso 33%, Nigeria 34%, Ghana 42%, Tanzania 65%), but not by rural or urban context. People who did not think the vaccine was safe or effective, or who were unsure about it, were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Those who reported they did not have a trusted source of information about the vaccine (aPR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18,1.31) and those who thought the vaccine would not be made available to them within the year were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Women were more likely to be vaccine hesitant (aPR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.19,1.43) and believe COVID-19 falsehoods (aPR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02,1.08). The most commonly believed falsehoods were that the vaccine was developed too fast and that there was not enough information about whether the vaccine was effective or not. Educational campaigns targeted at misinformation and tailored to suit each country are recommended to build trust in COVID-19 vaccines and reduce hesitancy.

Knowledge and attitude of accepting COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and third doses among postpartum women in Palembang, Indonesia

Background: Since the discovery of Covid-19, scientific developments, policies, and programs regarding Covid-19 have changed rapidly. In 2022 the Covid-19 vaccine arrived at the second booster. In Indonesia, various policies related to Covid-19 are also experiencing very rapid adjustments, such as the policy for travelling using public transportation, planes, trains, and ships that require the completeness of the Covid-19 vaccine up to boosters. These regulations make the Covid-19 vaccination a necessity that seems forced. Pregnant and postpartum women are also not free from the target of giving Covid-19. Various theories and research have proven that knowledge is related to attitude. Following this theory, knowledge and attitudes will align with the completeness of Covid-19. So if positive knowledge and attitudes affect the completeness of the Covid-19 vaccine, then it will not be affected by the Covid-19 vaccination obligation policy required by the Indonesian government.Purpose: To find out the relationship between Knowledge and attitude of accepting COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and third doses among postpartum women in Palembang, IndonesiaMethod: This study was quantitative. The design was analytical with a cross-sectional approach. The study samples consisted of 38 postpartum mothers in Independent Practice Midwife at Palembang. The complications of postpartum mothers were excluded. The sampling technique was accidental sampling.Results: There is no relationship between knowledge and accepting COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and third doses (p=0.348), but in the analysis, there is a relationship between attitude towards vaccination readiness and accepting COVID-19 (p=0.003), there is a relationship between attitude towards government policy and completeness of vaccination Covid-19 (p=0.004), there is a relationship between attitudes towards vaccines and accepting COVID-19 (p=0.015)Conclusion: There is no relationship between knowledge and accepting COVID-19, and there is a relationship between attitude and accepting COVID-19

A Mobile-Based Preventive Program for Young, Arabic-Speaking Asylum Seekers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Design, Feasibility, and Implementation.

A majority of individuals seeking asylum in Germany are living in collective housings and thus exposed to a higher risk of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic. To test feasibility and efficacy of a culture-sensitive approach combining mobile app-based interventions and a face-to-face group intervention to improve knowledge about COVID-19 and promote vaccination readiness among collectively accommodated Arabic-speaking adolescents and young adults. We developed a mobile app that was composed of short video clips to explain the biological basis of COVID-19, demonstrate behavior to prevent transmission, and combat misconceptions and myths about vaccination. Explanations were given in a YouTube-like interview setting by a native Arabic-speaking physician. Elements of gamification (quizzes, rewards for solving test items) were also used. Consecutive videos and quizzes were presented over an intervention period of six weeks, the group intervention was scheduled as an add-on for half of participants in week 6. The manual of the group intervention was designed to provide actual behavior planning on the basis of the health action process approach. Sociodemographic information, mental health status, and knowledge about Covid-19 and available vaccines were assessed with questionnaire-based interviews at baseline and after six weeks. Interpreters assisted with the interviews in all cases. Enrollment in the study proved to be very challenging as among other things, the housing facilities allowed contact with potentially eligible participants only during certain periods because of the pandemic situation. Also due to tightened contact restrictions, the face-to-face group interventions could not be held as planned. A total of 88 participants from 8 collective housing institutions were included in the study. 61 participants completed the full intake interview. Most participants had already been vaccinated at study enrollment (76.5%). They also yet claimed to comply with preventive measures to a very high extent (e.g., "always wearing masks" was indicated by 66% of participants), but practicing behavior that was not considered as effective against Covid-19 transmission was also frequently reported as a preventive measure (e.g., mouth rinsing). On the other hand, factual disease knowledge for COVID-19 was limited. Preoccupation with the information materials presented in the app steeply declined after study enrollment (e.g., 19% of participants watched the videos scheduled for week 3). Only 18 participants could be reached for the follow-up interview. Their COVID-19 disease knowledge did not shown to have increased after the intervention period (p=0.558). The results indicate that vaccine uptake was high and seemed to be depending on organizational determinants for the target group. The current mobile app-based intervention demonstrated low feasibility, which might have been related to various obstacles faced during the delivery: Learning from mobile phone content based on short videos requires a basic understanding of biological and IT-aspects as well as sufficient literacy and a living situation enabling the practical application of the learned behavioral prevention strategies. Therefore, in case of future pandemics, transmission prevention in the specific target group should rely more on structural aspects instead on sophisticated psychological interventions. https://www.drks.de, identifier: DRKS00028825.

Organizations affect their employees' vaccine readiness: A self-perception theory perspective.

Over the past 3 years, employees have constantly witnessed how their organizations have responded to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we hypothesize that employees' perceptions of the COVID-19 safety climate of their organization positively affect their vaccine readiness. To examine the underlying mechanisms of this effect, we use a self-perception theory lens. Thus, we hypothesize that an organization's COVID-19 safety climate affects employees' COVID-19 vaccine readiness through employees' adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. We conducted a time-lagged study over the time span of 1 year (N = 351) to test our hypotheses. In general, results support our hypotheses. In particular, results showed that perceived COVID-19 safety climate assessed at an early stage of the pandemic (April 2020, when no vaccines were available) predicted employees' COVID-19 vaccine readiness more than a year later. In line with self-perception theory, this effect was mediated by employees' adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. The present study provides theoretical insight into the underlying mechanisms of organizational climate on employees' attitudes. From a practical perspective, our results suggest that organizations are a powerful lever for promoting vaccine readiness.

COVID-19 vaccination readiness among Russian-speaking residents in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan in 2020–2022: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the mental health and overall well-being of people worldwide. Vaccination is a crucial component in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, despite the high risks associated with COVID-19, there is widespread disapproval and hostility towards vaccination and restrictive measures aimed at stopping the infection process. The spread of misinformation about vaccines, which has a long history as far back as the 18th and 19th centuries, increases distrust of immunization. This distrust is based on different beliefs about the origins of health and disease accepted in society. Vaccine skepticism is considered a global threat to public health and the achievement of population immunity against infections. Therefore, collection of data on attitudes towards vaccination within the largest possible number of social subgroups is warranted.
 AIM: To perform a systematic search and qualitative synthesis of scientific information on COVID-19 vaccination readiness among Russian-speaking residents in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan as well as associated factors.
 METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to examine scientific articles published in Russian from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022, that reported on the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among Russian-speaking residents of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. In total, there were more than 12,000 respondents in the selected papers that described the factors influencing the preparedness for COVID-19 immunization. The proportions of respondents who agreed, disagreed, and doubted the implementation of vaccination were recorded and used to calculate median values without taking into account the weights of each individual study.
 RESULTS: Compared to many other countries, the Russian-speaking residents in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan has demonstrated a reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with 30% expressing unwillingness and only 47% indicating readiness for vaccination.
 CONCLUSION: The use of theoretical models for describing health-related behavior is warranted to improve the quality and information content of Russian biomedical and socio-psychological research. This approach can aid in the development of effective interventions and preventive strategies for vaccine-preventable diseases.

A Retrospective Review of Revaccination Patterns in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients.

Background: After a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients are left with little to no immunity to prevent infections. Importantly, this includes immunity gained from previous exposures, including vaccinations. This loss of immunity is a direct result of previous chemotherapy, radiation, and conditioning regimens the patients receive. It is critical to revaccinate patients post-HSCT to ensure protective immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases. Before 2017, all patients at our institution were referred to their pediatrician at approximately 12-month post-HSCT to be revaccinated. Clinical concern was raised at our institution regarding nonadherence and errors in vaccine schedules. Methods: To understand the magnitude of the problem with revaccination, we performed an internal audit of post-vaccine adherence in patients who received an HSCT between 2015 and 2017. A multidisciplinary team was developed to review the audit results and make recommendations. Results: This audit revealed delays in the initiation of the vaccine schedule, incomplete adherence to the recommended revaccination schedule, and errors in administration. Discussion: Based on the review of the data, the multidisciplinary team recommended an approach for systematic assessment of vaccine readiness and centralization of the administration of vaccines to be done within the stem cell transplant outpatient center.

COVID-19 Mental Health Impact and Readiness to Be Vaccinated Among Medical Academic Staff in Non-EU and EU Countries

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the worst public health catastrophe in recent history, impacting people's mental health and increasing concern over vaccinations. Between early May and late June 2021, a web-based survey that included higher education institutions from three countries (Albania, Belgium, and Cyprus) was conducted. The purpose was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of academic staff, what affects their readiness to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and whether there is a link between the country of residence and readiness to be vaccinated. The short version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Score (DASS) questionnaire and a section of questions on vaccination readiness supported by the Health Belief Model were used for data collection. The final study sample was composed of 87 academics, both in Albania (n = 57) and in European Union (EU) countries (n = 30). Females comprised 91.2% of the Albanian participants and 63.3% of the EU countries participants. 89.7% of Albanian participants reported significantly higher proportions of prior COVID-19 (p = 0.001), compared to only 10.3% of EU country participants. Participants from Albania were less likely to vaccinate family members against COVID-19, and there was a significant association between this finding and whether an institution was affiliated with the EU (p = 0.007). In the two study groups, the DASS indicators showed a significant association between stress (p = 0.012) and depression (p = 0.011). The findings indicated that the pandemic affected the academic staff's mental health. When compared to academic staff members working in the EU, Albanian participants exhibited a larger prevalence of moderate-to-extremely severe depression and stress, which had an impact on their intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19. The results are essential to developing mental health coping strategies and approaches for increasing vaccination uptake, especially in developing countries.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine fatigue

There is growing concern that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine fatigue will be a major obstacle in maintaining immunity in the general population. In this study, we assessed vaccine acceptance in future scenarios in two conjoint experiments, investigating determinants such as new vaccines, communication, costs/incentives and legal rules. The experiments were embedded in an online survey (n = 6,357 participants) conducted in two European countries (Austria and Italy). Our results suggest that vaccination campaigns should be tailored to subgroups based on their vaccination status. Among the unvaccinated, campaign messages conveying community spirit had a positive effect (0.343, confidence interval (CI) 0.019–0.666), whereas offering positive incentives, such as a cash reward (0.722, CI 0.429–1.014) or voucher (0.670, CI 0.373–0.967), was pivotal to the decision-making of those vaccinated once or twice. Among the triple vaccinated, vaccination readiness increased when adapted vaccines were offered (0.279, CI 0.182–0.377), but costs (−0.795, CI −0.935 to −0.654) and medical dissensus (−0.161, CI −0.293 to −0.030) reduced their likelihood to get vaccinated. We conclude that failing to mobilize the triple vaccinated is likely to result in booster vaccination rates falling short of expectations. For long-term success, measures fostering institutional trust should be considered. These results provide guidance to those responsible for future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Informationsweitergabe zur COVID-19-Impfung: Quantitative Online-Befragung zu Akteuren, Inhalten, Quellen und Motiven

ZusammenfassungHintergrundWelche Meinung eine Person zur COVID-19-Impfung vertritt und wie ihre Impfentscheidung ausfällt, hängt u. a. von den sie erreichenden Informationen ab. Es scheint somit zentral, das Phänomen der Informationsweitergabe im Kontext der COVID-19-Impfung zu untersuchen. Die Studie exploriert, wer welche Informationen zur Impfung an wen weitergibt, wie die Weitergabe mit der Nutzung von Informationsquellen zusammenhängt und welche Motive bestehen.MethodeIm Zeitraum vom 19.06. bis 13.07.2021 wurde eine Umfrage mit 833 Personen über das deutsche nicht-repräsentative Social Sciences’ (SoSci) Panel durchgeführt. Erfragt wurden die Informationsweitergabe an Fremde und Personen aus dem sozialen Umfeld, Inhalte und Motive sowie die Informationsquellen. Die Antworten von 828 Personen wurden mittels deskriptiver Statistiken und multipler linearer Regressionsanalysen ausgewertet.ErgebnisseInformationen zur COVID-19-Impfung wurden tendenziell häufiger von älteren Personen, Frauen und Ungeimpften weitergegeben und umfassten Vorteile und Risiken der Impfung sowie persönliche Erfahrungen. Die Informationsweitergabe erfolgte häufiger im sozialen Umfeld als an Fremde. Personen, die sich über die Webseiten von Gesundheitsbehörden informieren, gaben häufiger Informationen zu Vorteilen sowie persönliche Erfahrungen weiter, während Personen, die YouTube oder Messenger-Dienste nutzen, häufiger Informationen zu Risiken teilten. Motive der Informationsweitergabe sind, anderen Menschen helfen, sozialer Austausch, Aufmerksamkeit schaffen, Statusgewinn und die Angst vor Angriffen oder Verurteilung.DiskussionDie Informationsweitergabe zur COVID-19-Impfung ist inhaltlich wie motivational vielschichtig. Um die Impfbereitschaft zu fördern, sollte das Informationsangebot offizieller Webseiten ausgebaut sowie die Gesundheitskompetenz der Bevölkerung gestärkt werden.

Perception of and Vaccine Readiness towards Mpox among Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV make up the majority of cases in the current Mpox outbreak. We aimed to investigate the perception of and vaccine readiness towards Mpox among MSM living with HIV in China. This cross-sectional online study was conducted from 10 August to 9 September 2022. Participants responded to survey questions about their socio-demographic information, HIV status, sexual behaviors, knowledge of Mpox, and attitudes towards Mpox vaccines. A total of 577 MSM living with HIV participated in the study. A total of 37.6% expressed concerns about the Mpox epidemic in China, and 56.8% were willing to get the Mpox vaccine. Men who had > four sexual partners in the previous three months (aOR = 1.9 95% CI: 1.2-2.8 Ref: 0), had close contact with > four individuals in a day (3.1, 1.5-6.5 Ref: 0-3), were worried about the Mpox epidemic in China (1.6, 1.1-2.3 Ref: No), and believed that Mpox vaccines are safe (6.6, 2.7-16.4 Ref: No or not sure) and effective (1.9, 1.1-3.3 Ref: No) for people living with HIV were more likely to be willing to get the Mpox vaccine. MSM living with HIV with a high school education or below (0.5, 0.3-0.9 Ref: Postgraduate diploma), and sometimes (0.5, 0.3-0.8 Ref: Often), seldom, or never (0.5, 0.3-0.9 Ref: Often) followed news about Mpox were unwilling to get the Mpox vaccine. The ongoing Mpox pandemic has not attracted widespread concerns among MSM living with HIV in China. Having more sexual partners and close contacts, worrying about the Mpox epidemic, and believing in the vaccine's safety and efficacy were predictors of their willingness to get the Mpox vaccine. Efforts should be made to raise awareness of the potential risk of Mpox in this at-risk population. Public health strategies should fully address predictors of vaccination willingness.

Health information behavior and related factors among Estonians aged ≥ 50 years during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to introduce the outcomes of a study analyzing the relationships between willingness to use technology for health purposes, health information behavior (HIB), health behavior (HB) choices, readiness for COVID-19 vaccination, socioeconomic indicators and self-reported health among older adults aged = 50 years living in Estonia.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 people aged = 50 in Estonia in 2020, a month after the end of lockdown.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the more recurrent the need for HI was (rho = 0.11, p < 0.05) and the more regularly one searched for it (rho = 0.14, p < 0.01), the more willing a person was to get vaccinated. Also, interest in digital applications corresponded to vaccination readiness (rho = 0.25, p < 0.001). However, this relationship did not emerge in the case of other HBs such as healthy eating and exercise. Differences in HIB should be taken into account when developing effective means of health communication designed especially for crisis situations.Originality/valueEstonia is known as one of the digital front runners in the world. However, social welfare and the well-being of disadvantaged groups among the population (e.g. older people) have not yet caught up with the more developed Western countries. Thus, learning more about the health-related information behavior of older adults, e.g. the kind of health information they are seeking and using in Estonia, allows policymakers, health information providers and libraries in Estonia to plan and carry out more effective interventions and help them to improve the existing systems so as to furnish older adults with relevant information.

Psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: A comparison between immigrants and the host population in Japan.

This study explored the differences in COVID-19 vaccination readiness based on the 7C model and its association with vaccine acceptance among foreign-born immigrants, Japan-born immigrants, and locals in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in October 2021 (n=3,690). Our results show that COVID-19 vaccination readiness, acceptance, and their relationship differ according to migratory status and nativity. Immigrant participants reported higher general vaccination readiness and acceptability for vaccination against COVID-19 than the Japanese participants, but had lower vaccination coverage, particularly among those born in Japan. The psychological determinants of Japan-born immigrants were more similar to those of Japanese participants than those of foreign-born immigrants. The effects of confidence, complacency, and constraints on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were strong among all three groups. However, the role of collective responsibility and conspiracy varied by migratory status. This study highlighted the importance of culturally tailored interventions in vaccine delivery to immigrants.

Promoting COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance through Community Engagement: An Ethnographic Study in Ghana

Introduction. To successfully manage COVID-19 and to meet the target of vaccinating 22.9 million people in Ghana, the government has adopted community engagement as one of the strategies. Yet, the Volta Region continues to record the lowest rate of vaccine acceptance in Ghana. This study explored how government institutions engaged communities on COVID-19 vaccine preparedness and acceptance in two administrative municipalities in Ghana. Methods. This qualitative study employed face-to-face in-depth interviews among thirty-six respondents comprising of government officials and community leaders and ten focus group discussions among 87 people made up of men and women most of whom were natives and some migrants in two administrative municipalities in Ghana. Data were collected from June to September 2021. Audio interviews were transcribed and uploaded to Nvivo 12 to support triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the requisite authority, and all COVID-19 restrictions were observed. Results. Government institutions focused on informing communities of vaccines and vaccination with little input from the communities. The Ghana Health Service carried out the most extensive engagement because they had more decentralized institutions. Successful engagement activities resulted in vaccine acceptance among some community members. Challenges in community engagement included insufficient logistics and myths and misconceptions about vaccines, which accounted for some community members’ lack of trust in vaccines, resulting in their unwillingness to vaccinate. Government officials used innovative approaches such as comparing the safety of COVID-19 vaccines to vaccines designed for children under the age of five years to deal with misinformation. Conclusion. Government needs to provide more resources to institutions that are mandated to carry out engagement activities to enable them carry out their tasks. It is further recommended that government institutions should intensify community engagement in distant communities to support the country to meet the target.

Lessons from COVID-19 - Building a more resilient response for the next pandemic - Health System and Drug Development perspectives

This paper evaluates the challenges faced by the healthcare systems and the drug-development industry in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the role of key stakeholders and different healthcare models that can help ensure a robust pandemic response. In drug-development, we scrutinize the challenges linked with COVID-19 antivirals, vaccines, and antibodies and explore the potential of repurposing existing therapeutics through the use of advanced technologies while predicting clinical trial outcomes. We consider the intricacies of manufacturing, regulatory, and funding factors in vaccine preparedness. We conclude by exploring the future of pandemic preparedness, highlighting rapid innovation, and the potential for accelerated drug discovery as powerful tools in addressing the next pandemic.

Отношение к здоровью и готовность к лечению в ситуации пандемии

Background. X e COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented model for psychology to explore the factors of adherence to recommendations, vaccination and protective actions in a situation of uncertainty. Objective.X e aim of the study is to reveal the relationship between attitudes towards health and readiness for treatment with adherence to recommendations and protective actions during the pandemic. Methods. In November-December 2020, 523 respondents aged 18 to 65 W lled in scales to assess their tendency for monitoring information about the pandemic, level of anxiety caused by the pandemic, vaccination, and protective actions during the pandemic, their readiness for vaccination, illness-related locus of control, selfeY cacy in relation to treatment, “hypochondriac discourse”, as well as readiness for treatment and ideas on the speciW cs of medication. Results. Respondents were more willing to actively comply with safety recommendations if they (1) had external locus of control in treatment — this eZ ect was both direct and indirect, which implied higher pandemic anxiety; (2) believed in alternative medicine methods; (3) declared readiness for treatment; and also (4) valued health care as a resource conservation, which in[ uenced compliance indirectly — through the higher pandemic anxiety. Adherence to self-isolation was higher with health being more important as a means of protection against risk (both direct and indirect eZ ects) and indirectly (because of greater pandemic anxiety) as well as with an external locus of control for treatment. Vaccination readiness depended on the internal locus of control for illness causes, lower internal and higher external locus of control for treatment, and also distrust toward the medical system. At the same time, mistrust in the medical system was characterized by two indirect eZ ects in relation to lower readiness for vaccination: on the one hand, distrust was associated with greater anxiety about the pandemic and therefore greater readiness for vaccination, and on the other hand, with greater anxiety about vaccination and therefore less readiness for it. Respondents reported better lifestyle control in cases of more pronounced self-eY cacy, conW dence in the importance of taking care of health and resorting to the methods of alternative medicine, as well as declared readiness for treatment. Outdoor trips were associated with self-eY cacy and conW dence in the importance of treatment with alternative medicine. Both of these eZ ects were not explained by pandemic anxiety and vaccination anxiety. Conclusion. Active and passive adherence to recommendations, as well as other ways of caring for health, depend diZ erently on attitudes towards health and readiness for treatment.

HUBUNGAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN LANSIA DENGAN KESIAPAN PEMBERIAN VAKSINASI COVID-19 DI NAGARI AIA TAJUN KECAMATAN LUBUK ALUNG

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause disease in humans and animals. In humans, it usually causes respiratory tract infections, ranging from the common cold to serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Vaccination is the administration of vaccines in order to actively generate or increase a person's immunity against certain diseases, so that if one day a certain disease will not get sick or experience mild illness and will not become a source of transmission. This study aims to determine the "Relationship of Anxiety Levels in the Elderly with Readiness to Give Covid-19 Vaccination in Nagari Aia Tajun, Lubuk Alung District".This type of research is an analytic survey using the "Cros Sectional Study" research design which is a study in which the anxiety level variable and the dependent variable are Covid-19 Vaccination Readiness. In this study, the sampling technique used was population based, by using non-probability sampling with purposive sampling method with a minimum sample of 30 people in Nagari Aia Tajun, Lubuk Alung District.The results showed that the elderly who experienced normal anxiety who were not ready for vaccination were 7 people (6.3%) and 21 people were ready for the vaccine (21.7%). For anxiety who are not ready to be vaccinated as many as 2 people (2.7%) and 10 people (9.3%) are ready for Covid-19 vaccination. results Based on statistical tests using cross tabulation using the chi-square test, the p value = 0.563 (p value &lt; 0.05).So it can be concluded, there is no significant relationship between the level of anxiety of the elderly against the administration of Covid-19 vaccination in the elderly Nagari Aia Tajun, Lubuk Alung District.

Potential factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among university students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional comparative study.

This study investigated Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance, and compared the potential factors influencing vaccine acceptance and hesitancy between public university (PuU) and private university (PrU) students in Bangladesh. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to 640 PuU and 660 PrU students in Google Form between 25th September and 22nd November 2021, which resulted in the participation of 1034 (461 PuU vs. 573 PrU) respondents (response rate: 72.03% vs. 86.81%). The pooled vaccine acceptance rates among PuU and PrU students were almost similar (88.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 85.1-91.1 vs. 87.6%, 95% CI 84.6-90.6). Employing binary logistic regression to assess the association between various potential factors and vaccine acceptance, the study revealed that out of 10 predictors, 'safety' and 'efficacy' had highly significant positive associations with vaccine acceptance in both cohorts (P = 0.000, P = 0.005). 'Political roles' was found to have varied effects- a significant (P = 0.02) negative and a significant positive (P = 0.002) association with vaccine acceptance in PuU and PrU students, respectively. Additionally, 'communication' (P = 0.003) and 'trust' (P = 0.01) were found to have significant positive associations in PrU students while 'rumours' (P = 0.03) had negative association in PuU students. The odds of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine were 1.5 vs. 0.9 in PuU and PrU students. Although chi-square analysis did not show any significant association between gender and vaccine acceptance, discrepancies were found in the factors that potentially affect vaccine uptake decision between PuU and PrU students. COVID-19 vaccine uptake may be improved if vaccine-related information becomes available and is communicated to large numbers of people effectively. The implementation of multidisciplinary interventional educational programmes may also be considered as a preferred approach to improve student's engagement in pandemic awareness and vaccine readiness.

Vaccine Preparedness for the Next Influenza Pandemic: A Regulatory Perspective.

The response to SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated the tremendous potential of investments in vaccine research and development to impact a global pandemic, resulting in the rapid development and deployment of lifesaving vaccines. However, this unprecedented speed was insufficient to either effectively combat initial waves of the pandemic or adapt in real time to new variants. This review focuses on opportunities from a public health oriented regulatory perspective for enhancing research, development, evaluation, production, and monitoring of safety and effectiveness to facilitate more rapid availability of pandemic influenza vaccines. We briefly review regulatory pathways and processes relevant to pandemic influenza, including how they can be strengthened and globally coordinated. We then focus on what we believe are critical opportunities to provide better approaches, tools, and methods to accelerate and improve vaccine development and evaluation and thus greatly enhance pandemic preparedness. In particular, for the improved vaccines needed to respond to a future influenza pandemic better and more rapidly, moving as much of the development and evaluation process as possible into the pre-pandemic period is critical, including through approval and use of analogous seasonal influenza vaccines with defined immune correlates of protection.