Vaccine Acceptance Research Articles

Caregiver acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi

IntroductionMalawi is one of the countries enduring an enormous burden of cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination offers a feasible and effective tool for reducing the burden. Such a prospect however, is being impeded by low uptake rates of the HPV vaccine in the country. This study, therefore, sought to identify barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi and to establish the consequential willingness to vaccinate their children. MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative methods. We conducted 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 4 groups of women and 2 groups of men in 4 villages located in a semi-urban area, Chileka, Blantyre. The guiding questionnaire was designed to draw out two main outcomes: barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine and willingness to vaccinate children. The data was analysed by thematic analysis by an inductive approach using NVivo software version 11. ResultsLack of knowledge on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination coupled with numerous misconceptions are the main barriers discouraging the population from accepting the HPV vaccine. Consequently, there was little desire to get their children vaccinated against HPV. Though responsibility to get the children vaccinated was mainly attributed to women, men argued that they need to have a final say in their children’s vaccination. ConclusionIn the wake of the revealed barriers and low acceptance of the HPV vaccine, it is imperative to organize effective and sustainable awareness programmes for the improvement of the HPV vaccine’s uptake.

Coronavirus disease-19 vaccine uptake, willingness for vaccination, and associated Factors among chronic follow patients attending in the two comprehensive specialized hospitals of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BackgroundEven though the disease has spread throughout the world, with millions killed, global COVID-19 vaccination coverage remains low, particularly in developing countries. However, epidemiological data is lacking in the area. Hence, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 uptake, willingness for vaccination, and associated factors.MethodA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2022, among patients attending chronic follow-up clinics in the two comprehensive specialized hospitals in Bahir Dar. The total sample size was 423. Participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data was gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. A descriptive analysis was performed. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between variables. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multi-variable logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe analysis included 400 out of 423 participants, representing a 95% response rate. The COVID-19 vaccination uptake was 46.8%, while the acceptance was 60.5%. About 56% and 68% of the respondents had good knowledge and a favorable attitude, respectively. Elderly people were 2.7 times more likely to be vaccinated. Similarly, urban residents were 3.94 times more vaccinated. The probability of being vaccinated among respondents with good knowledge and favorable attitudes was 70% and 79%, respectively. The willingness for vaccination increased among those individuals with favorable attitudes (AOR: 1.82). Urban people were less likely to accept vaccination (AOR: 0.46). Some participants misunderstood that vaccination may aggravate their disease condition.ConclusionThe overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance for vaccination were low compared to what was estimated by the WHO. Age, residence, knowledge, and attitude were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance of vaccination. Besides, there was a high level of rumor about the status of the vaccine and risk factors. Hence, special emphasis is warranted to deliver centrally trusted information. Moreover, further nationwide studies are warranted in the future.

The effects of health beliefs and acculturation on the acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination among Asian Indian parents in the United States.

The available limited literature and Centers for Disease Control data suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination acceptance is lower among Asian Indians than the general population in the United States. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of health beliefs, subjective norms, acculturation, and demographics on HPV vaccination acceptance among Asian Indian parents. Using a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study design, immigrant and first-generation Asian Indian parents of 9- to 16-year-old children were recruited (N = 171). The survey comprised the Health Belief and Subjective Norms instrument and the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale. The analysis included parametric and nonparametric tests. Participants who expressed higher levels of perceived barriers were less likely to accept HPV vaccination (odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, p = .016). Spousal opinion negatively correlated with HPV vaccination acceptance (OR = 0.57, p = .006). However, subjective norms positively predicted HPV vaccination acceptance (OR = 1.69, p = .039). Participants who perceived that friends and family approved of the vaccination also had significantly higher rates of vaccination acceptance (OR = 11.99, p = .001). The results revealed unique factors in the acceptance of HPV vaccination in Asian Indians that were not examined or understood before. The applied Health Beliefs and Subjective Norms theoretical framework suggested that perceived barriers, subjective norms, and the opinions of spouses, friends, and family predicted HPV vaccination acceptance. Educational interventions targeting providers, spouses, family, and community members with influential effects on parents may positively affect HPV vaccination acceptance. Providers should note that this population welcomes the provider's recommendations.

The influence of the perception, attitude, and level of trust on the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in mbeya urban, Tanzania

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) has been associated with adverse effects and death among people with low immunity, including pregnant women. Despite introducing the vaccine as the proper means to curb the spread of the pandemic, vaccine uptake is still low. This study assessed the influence of perception, attitude, and trust toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care Clinics.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used, utilizing a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional analytical design conducted in Mbeya urban, distribution of sample size during data collection based on client’s volume at three government health facilities (one tertiary health facility, one secondary health facility, and one primary health facility) in Mbeya Urban, Tanzania. Data were collected from 333 pregnant women who attended ANC during the data collection period using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions administered to respondents face-to-face. Data cleaning and analysis were done using Excel and Stata/SE 14.1 software for bivariate and multivariate data; Pearson’s chi-squire and Fisher’s test were used to analyze the independent determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake.ResultsThe proportion of pregnant women vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine was 27%. There was a statistically significant association between the respondents’ vaccine uptake with primary education and < 5 work experience to vaccine uptake P = 0.015 (AOR = 6.58; 95% CI; 1.45–29.85), and P = 0.046 (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI; 1.02–5.89) respectively. The association of attitude influence to COVID-19 vaccine uptake was statistically significant (acceptance of vaccine due to its availability, vaccine acceptance for protection against COVID-19 pandemic to respondent and her baby, experience from other vaccines) was statistically significant at P = 0.011 (AOR = 4.43; 95% CI; 1.41–13.93), P = 0.001 (AOR = 45.83; 95% CI; 18.6-112.89) respectively. The level of trust in the COVID-19 vaccine influenced respondents’ association with vaccine uptake in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (P = 0.633 (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI; 0.53–2.48), respectively.ConclusionPregnant women’s positive attitude and trust in the COVID-19 vaccine influenced them to uptake it; our conclusion supports the WHO guidelines that the COVID-19 vaccine should be administered to pregnant women since it is a safer means to curb COVID-19 pregnancy-related complications.

Contributions and Impact of Health Communication Research to Vaccination Efforts and Acceptance

ABSTRACT Vaccines (a medical product) and vaccination recommendations (expert advice on who should receive, when, and how often) have grown in importance and prominence in the past 15 years, including because of a recent COVID-19 pandemic. This essay highlights contributions from vaccine and vaccination-related health communication research since 2010. This research has had significant impacts – that is, visible and discernible positive effects – on the ways health communication is undertaken broadly (e.g. at the campaign level) and at the health care provider-patient level (e.g. conversations with parents and patients regarding vaccine benefits, risks, and safety). As this essay illustrates, health communication research has resulted in greater use of formative research to guide vaccination campaign and education efforts, better identification and understanding of the factors behind vaccination delay and declination, and greater recognition that communication efforts can fail to achieve desired outcomes or generate unintended consequences. Health communication research has also documented the powerful influence of healthcare provider communication on parent and patient understanding and compliance with immunization recommendations. Importantly, this research has also shown the characteristics of provider-patient communication matter much. Healthcare providers must have or establish a high degree of trust, be well-versed in vaccine efficacy and safety, and be adept at using their personal experiences, information tailoring/personalization, and evidence-based communication strategies to increase the likelihood of success.

How information processing style and vaccine pace development messaging influence vaccine acceptance: A mixed methods exploration

How information processing style and vaccine pace development messaging influence vaccine acceptance: A mixed methods exploration

Uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst 3,433,483 children and young people across four nations in the UK

Background and ObjectivesSARS-CoV-2 infection in children and young people (CYP) can lead to life threatening conditions including COVID-19, transmission to more vulnerable individuals, or even long COVID. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces the chance of infection and transmission of the virus, but vaccine uptake in the UK has been shown to decrease with age. ApproachWe undertook a multistate-model approach to estimate hazard ratios on national cohorts constructed from linked health and administrative data, adjusting for several demographic factors. The models were applied to 3,433,483 CYP aged 5-17 years between 4th August 2021 and 31st May 2022. The results were combined in a random effects meta-analysis. ResultsUptake of the first COVID-19 vaccine in CYP was lower compared to older age groups in the UK, and diminished further with subsequent doses (34%, 20% and 2% for 1st, 2nd, and booster dose respectively). Age of the CYP and vaccination status of the adults in the household were identified as important risk factors. For example, 5-11-year-olds were less likely to receive their first vaccine compared to 16-17-year-olds (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]: 0.10 (95%CI: 0.06-0.19), and CYP in unvaccinated households were less likely to receive their first vaccine compared to partially vaccinated households (aHR: 0.19, 95%CI 0.13-0.29). Conclusions and Implications Our work highlights the need for targeted strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake among CYP, especially considering the influence of parental consent and household factors. Further research could help identify risk factors in household types to investigate more direct associations, which may be influenced by factors such as living with vulnerable people, familial structure, or deprivation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adolescents and Young Adults: Test of the Triandis Model of Interpersonal Behavior and the Health Belief Model.

This study purpose was to test the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Triandis Model of Interpersonal Behavior (TMIB) in predicting COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Data from an anonymous online survey were collected. Clusters of risk perceptions of infection were identified using Latent Class Analysis, and predictive values of TMIB and HBM factors were evaluated using logistic regression models. Response rate was 30% (468 participants). There was a combined significant effect of TMIB model components (habitual health behavior, intention, and facilitation conditions) on having received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Having received influenza vaccine in the past 12 months was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Perceived vaccination benefits, and perceived risks of infection were associated with vaccine receipt; however, the HBM model performed inadequately. The HBM is commonly used in vaccine acceptance research; however, the TMIB may be more effective among AYAs.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey regarding COVID-19 and factors associated with intention to receive a vaccine in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study

Post-kidney transplant recipients were recommended to take appropriate infection control measures and receive the third or additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. However, it remained unclear whether prevention of infection was being adequately implemented and what factors were related to vaccination intention. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in March 2022 at Yochomachi Clinic in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with vaccine intentions based on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey regarding COVID-19 and how to promote vaccine acceptance to reduce mortality not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also in future emerging infectious disease pandemics. Of the 497 participants, 435 intended to receive the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines (including those who actually got it), and 62 did not have such intention. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex (OR: 2.856, 95% CI: 1.377-5.921), positive attitude toward COVID-19 (OR: 1.950, 95% CI: 1.399-2.718), and television as a source of information (OR: 4.165, 95% CI: 1.964-8.831) were associated with vaccination intention, whereas patients who trusted family and friends (OR: 0.343, 95% CI: 0.121-0.968) and those who trusted no-one (OR: 0.173, 95% CI: 0.049-0.613) had no vaccination intention. When considering vaccination policies, media outreach to patients should be given high priority, especially for people at higher risk of developing severe symptoms. This approach can promote vaccine acceptance to reduce mortality not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also in future emerging infectious disease pandemics.

How Safe Are COVID-19 Vaccines in Individuals with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases? The SUCCEED Study.

We were tasked by Canada's COVID-19 Immunity Task Force to describe severe adverse events (SAEs) associated with emergency department (ED) visits and/or hospitalizations in individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). At eight Canadian centres, data were collected from adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (AxS), systemic lupus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We administered questionnaires, analyzing SAEs experienced within 31 days following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. About two-thirds (63%) of 1556 participants were female; the mean age was 52.5 years. The BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine was the most common, with mRNA-1273 (Moderna) being second. A total of 49% of participants had IBD, 27.4% had RA, 14.3% had PsA, 5.3% had SpA, and 4% had SLE. Twelve (0.77% of 1556 participants) SAEs leading to an ED visit or hospitalization were self-reported, occurring in 11 participants. SAEs included six (0.39% of 1556 participants) ED visits (including one due to Bell's Palsy 31 days after first vaccination) and six (0.39% of 1556 participants) hospitalizations (including one due to Guillain-Barré syndrome 15 days after the first vaccination). Two SAEs included pericarditis, one involved SLE (considered a serious disease flare), and one involved RA. Thus, in the 31 days after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in our IMID sample, very few serious adverse events occurred. As SARS-CoV2 continues to be a common cause of death, our findings may help optimize vaccination acceptance.

Acceptance and uptake of vaccines against tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 among pregnant and postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BackgroundPregnant women, fetuses, and neonates are particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). These VPDs are associated with high morbidity and mortality among expectant mothers and their fetuses and neonates. Vaccination during pregnancy can protect the expectant mother from VPDs to which she may be especially vulnerable while pregnant. In addition, the passive transfer of maternal neutralizing immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) also protects the fetus against congenital infections and may further protect the neonate from infection during the first few months of life. Despite this, coverage of recommended maternal vaccines remains suboptimal globally, especially in resource-constrained settings. Determinants of vaccine acceptance and uptake are frequently understudied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and among specific groups such as pregnant and postpartum women. This proposed systematic review will assess the acceptance and uptake of vaccines against tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 among pregnant and postpartum women in LMICs.MethodsA Boolean search strategy employing common and medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, together with uptake, pregnancy, and postpartum, will be used to search electronic databases for relevant literature published between 2009 and 2024. Only studies conducted in LMICs that investigated determinants of acceptance, hesitancy, and uptake of tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant and postpartum women will be eligible for inclusion in the review. The quality and the risk of bias of all eligible full-text articles will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) critical appraisal tools.DiscussionThis protocol proposes a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to assess the uptake of maternal vaccines and to systematically appraise and quantify determinants of the acceptance and uptake of recommended vaccines during pregnancy and postpartum in LMICs. A better understanding of these factors and how they influence maternal vaccine decision-making will enable public health practitioners as well as global and national policymakers to design more effective interventions as we look towards expanding the scope and reach of maternal immunization programs.

Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of community paramedicine programs in achieving vaccination equity: a qualitative study

BackgroundMobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) is a novel approach that may reduce the rural-urban disparity in vaccination uptake in the United States. MIH-CP providers, as physician extenders, offer clinical follow-up and wrap-around services in homes and communities, uniquely positioning them as trusted messengers and vaccine providers. This study explores stakeholder perspectives on feasibility and acceptability of community paramedicine vaccination programs.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with leaders of paramedicine agencies with MIH-CP, without MIH-CP, and state/regional leaders in Indiana. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsWe interviewed 24 individuals who represented EMS organizations with MIH-CP programs (MIH-CP; n = 10), EMS organizations without MIH-CP programs (non-MIH-CP; n = 9), and state/regional administrators (SRA; n = 5). Overall, the sample included professionals with an average of 19.6 years in the field (range: 1–42 years). Approximately 75% (n = 14) were male, and all identified as non-Hispanic white. MIH-CPs reported they initiated a vaccine program to reach underserved areas, operating as a health department extension. Some MIH-CPs integrated existing services, such as food banks, with vaccine clinics, while other MIH-CPs focused on providing vaccinations as standalone initiatives. Key barriers to vaccination program initiation included funding and vaccinations being a low priority for MIH-CP programs. However, participants reported support for vaccine programs, particularly as they provided an opportunity to alleviate health disparities and improve community health. MIH-CPs reported low vaccine hesitancy in the community when community paramedics administered vaccines. Non-CP agencies expressed interest in launching vaccine programs if there is clear guidance, sustainable funding, and adequate personnel.ConclusionsOur study provides important context on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an MIH-CP program. Findings offer valuable insights into reducing health disparities seen in vaccine uptake through community paramedics, a novel and innovative approach to reduce health disparities in rural communities.

Hesitancy to COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers: A Scoping Review

Vaccine hesitancy is a global concern and a significant barrier to vaccine uptake. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more likely to contract COVID-19 and are the most trusted source of patient vaccine-related information. This scoping review summarized the rates of hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose among HCWs. We also explored the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. The review method was described according to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Literature search from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCOhost was conducted for studies published from January 2020 to August 2022. Themes were generated using inductive and deductive methods to identify the determinants for hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, a total of 157 articles were included in this review. The hesitancy rate varied before the COVID-19 vaccination rollout ranging from 3.8% to 79.0%, while the hesitancy rate was 1.1%-73.3% in studies conducted after the vaccination rollout. Six themes were generated for hesitancy and seven themes for acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. The themes identified for vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were trust issues in vaccines or authority; vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and its complications; information and misinformation; personal and past vaccine experience; religious and ethical; and socio-demographic and work factors. Professional integrity was the additional theme for vaccine acceptance. Safety and effectiveness issues, trust, perceived risk of infection, and misinformation were among the common factors. It is recommended that the government develops strategies, guidelines, or more transparent information about the vaccines to improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The role of personal health beliefs and altruistic beliefs in young Chinese adult men’s acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine

Administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to men offers substantial health benefits for both themselves and their female partners. In mainland China, the HPV vaccine has not been approved for men, and little is known about their acceptance of it. This study aims to assess the acceptability of HPV vaccine among young Chinese adult men and examine the association between personal health beliefs, altruistic beliefs, and HPV vaccination intentions and behavioral attempts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among male university students using a multistage cluster sampling method in eight universities across five districts in Zhejiang Province, China. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 using a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaire. Of the 1937 participants, 1009 who had heard of the HPV vaccine completed the questionnaire. Over one-third (40.4%, 408/1009) had high levels of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. A total of 695 of 1009 (68.9%) expressed an intention to receive the HPV vaccine when available, and 329 of 1009 (32.6%) had proactively inquired about male HPV vaccination. Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived gender barriers, and perceived benefits of male HPV vaccination for female partner were associated with HPV vaccination intentions. Lower perceived vaccine barriers, greater perceived benefits, and stronger vaccination intentions were associated with higher HPV behavioral attempts. There is an emerging demand for HPV vaccinations among young adult men in mainland China. Personal health beliefs and altruistic beliefs are crucial in promoting young adult men’s acceptance of the HPV vaccine. Emphasizing both male-specific benefits and altruistic motivations may enhance HPV vaccine acceptability among young adult men.

Assessing Saudi women’s awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and their susceptibility to receive the vaccine

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being the primary cause. This study aimed to assess Saudi women’s awareness and knowledge of HPV, determine their information sources, and evaluate their intention to receive the HPV vaccine. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 654 Saudi females aged 18 to 60 years from January to May 2023. The results revealed that 60.85% of the participants had heard about HPV, but only 8.25% had received the HPV vaccination. Despite the low vaccination rate, 71.11% of the respondents expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. Educational level was the significant predictor of the vaccine awareness and acceptance. The internet and social media were the most prevalent sources of information about HPV. The study highlights the need for additional education about HPV-related diseases and vaccination among Saudi women. Although there is a high level of HPV vaccine acceptance, the lack of knowledge suggests that targeted educational interventions are necessary to increase awareness and promote vaccination uptake. These findings can inform public health strategies to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia through improved HPV vaccination coverage and education.

Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Organ Transplant Recipients

BackgroundUnderstanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) is critical given clear—albeit attenuated—benefits from vaccination. MethodsAdult OTRs were surveyed regarding sociodemographic data, medical history, and vaccine-related values. A novel outcome variable called the Vaccine Acceptance Composite Score (VACS) was built as the average Likert score of seven domains of vaccine confidence. To examine its association with several factors and individual adherence to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, univariable odds ratios and relative operating characteristic areas under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. ResultsOf 46 OTRs included, 32.6% identified as female, 13.3% as Black, and 6.77% as Hispanic or Latino/a/x. The median age was 58 years old. 93.5% of patients were kidney transplant recipients, and 63.0% previously had COVID-19. Patients were most concerned about COVID-19 vaccine-associated risks (46.3%), its potential effect on allograft (47.6%), and motives of government officials involved with vaccine policy (55.6%). Politically conservative patients were likelier to have lower VACS, whereas those who lived with someone ≥65 years old were likelier to have higher VACS. The VACS was not significantly associated with race, income, religious beliefs, comorbidities, COVID-19 history, or influenza vaccination status. Higher VACS was associated with ≥3 and ≥4 COVID-19 immunizations. ConclusionsThis study highlighted political beliefs and elderly household members as correlates of vaccine acceptance among OTRs. The VACS may be a useful tool to help standardize multifaceted analyses in vaccination-focused behavioral research. In clinical practice, it could help identify individuals and groups at risk for vaccine hesitancy, who may benefit from tailored outreach and educational interventions.

Perception of Public Relations Officers of Government Public Relations Approaches towards the Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study on perception of public relations officers on government public relations approaches towards the acceptability of Covid 19 vaccination in Taraba State, Nigeria sought to identify the public relations approaches adopted by government in the campaign for COVID-19 vaccine, examine public relations experts perception of the impact of public relations approaches in the campaign for COVID-19 vaccine in Taraba State, Nigeria and to find out the specific challenges faced by the public relations experts in the campaign for COVID-19 vaccine in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study employed the survey method of research design with a population of 158 and a sample. Using purposive sampling method, questionnaires was administered on a sample size of 103 respondents within the study area to elicit primary data. Findings of the study revealed that the government in Taraba State has implemented a diverse range of public relations (PR) strategies to promote the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. The study also found that public relations experts generally perceive the government's PR approaches positively. Furthermore, the study revealed that despite the overall positive perception of the PR efforts, several challenges persist such as vaccine hesitancy, limited access to reliable information sources and insufficient resources and funding key hurdles faced. The study concluded that the government's adoption of diverse PR strategies, including communication campaigns, media relations efforts, and collaboration with healthcare providers, demonstrates a proactive effort to engage with the public and address concerns. Finally, the study among others recommended that community engagement through grassroots initiatives, involving local influencers, community leaders, and healthcare providers and advocate for increased resources and funding to support comprehensive PR campaigns should be enhanced.

Healthcare workers' perceptions and acceptance for COVID-19 vaccine for their children aged

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program among adults in India is one of the highly successful vaccination drives globally, but the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among parents for their children is largely unknown. As parents are primary decision-makers for their children, we aimed to assess parents' perceptions and acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination for children in India. To assess parental perceptions and acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination for their children (aged <18 years). A cross-sectional anonymous web-based survey was designed and conducted from November 1 to December 15, 2022. All the healthcare workers of a tertiary care institute in eastern Uttar Pradesh, having a child aged <18 years, constituted the study population and were invited. They were recruited through snowball sampling and were sent the study questionnaire in Google form through email and WhatsApp. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of child vaccination acceptance among the parents. A total of 388 healthcare worker parents (HCWPs) having a child <18 years of age completed the survey. The mean age of the parents was 40.28 ± 11.34 years. The majority (96.9%) of them had already received the recommended two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Around 91% of the parents agreed that COVID-19 vaccines are important for children's health, whereas 89% agreed that COVID-19 vaccines are effective. A total of 356 (91.7%) parents were willing to vaccinate their children with a COVID-19 vaccine, of which 91.3% intended to do so as soon as possible. The factors significantly associated with the stated willingness for child vaccination among the participants were younger age (P = 0.008), female gender (P = 0000), currently married status (P = 0.00001), urban residence (P = 0.01), lower monthly income (P = 0.03), absence of any chronic illness (P = 0.0003), history of COVID-19 in the child (P = 0.004), and the child being up-to-date with the routine childhood vaccines (P = 0.01). The HCWPs from eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, have a positive attitude and low vaccine hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination for children, with around 92% currently willing to vaccinate their children with COVID vaccine. Further longitudinal studies are required to assess the trend of parental acceptance of COVID vaccine.

Social complexity of a fentanyl vaccine to prevent opioid overdose conference proceedings: Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study conference proceedings

Despite significant public health attention and investment, hundreds of thousands of individuals have suffered fatal opioid overdose since the onset of the opioid crisis. Risk of opioid overdose has been exacerbated by the influx of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, into the drug supply. The National Institutes of Health Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative is supporting the development of vaccines targeting fentanyl to protect against overdose. If successful, a vaccine would induce anti-fentanyl antibodies to sequester fentanyl (but not other opioids) in the blood, preventing fentanyl from crossing into the brain and reaching the central nervous system where it can cause overdose. Introduction of an overdose preventing strategy that relies on a vaccine to confer passive protection may be impactful. However, vaccines are poorly understood by the public and politicized. Moreover, the overdose ecosystem is complex and extends across numerous social, economic, medical, and cultural systems. As such, optimal use of a vaccine strategy to address overdose may benefit from multidisciplinary consideration of the social, ethical, and systemic factors that influence substance use and overdose that may also impact the acceptability of a fentanyl vaccine and related implementation strategies.In March 2022, Dr. Elissa Weitzman convened a two-day conference at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study on the Social Complexity of a Fentanyl Vaccine to Prevent Opioid Overdose. In all, 19 professionals from diverse disciplines (medicine, psychology, history, ethics, immunology, vaccinology, communications, policy) attended the conference and led discussions that centered on population health and epidemiology, history of medicine and frameworks for understanding substance use, ethics, decision-making and attitudes, and operational issues to the question of a novel immunotherapy targeting fentanyl overdose. Participants also debated the risks and benefits of vaccine administration in response to fictional clinical case vignettes. A summary of the conference presentations and discussions follows.

Communicating COVID-19 vaccine information to Chinese communities in the UK: a qualitative study of their knowledge, information sources and trust

IntroductionIn late 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates of Chinese people living in the UK were estimated between 52% and 57%, significantly lower than that of the general population (76%)....