Vaccine Refusal Research Articles

Abstract 810: Assessing human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and intentions to participate in HPV vaccination and clinical trials (CT) among Latinos/as in Los Angeles (LA) County: A multicomponent intervention

Abstract Background: The incidence of HPV-related cancers continues to disproportionately affect women and men of Latino origin. In LA, a total of 20,868 individuals have been diagnosed with HPV-related cancers from 2009 to 2019. HPV infection knowledge and interpersonal barriers contribute to HPV vaccine delay and refusal. Similarly, Latinos/as continue to also have low participation in clinical trials research. To address the low knowledge, attitudes, and intentions towards HPV vaccination and participation in clinical trials (CT), we have adopted the NCI National Outreach Network framework and have used community health educators to deliver bilingual-culturally appropriate workshops on HPV and CT. Methods: Individuals, 18 and over and parents with eligible age children (in respect to the HPV initiative) were recruited through community outreach and local community partnerships to participate in the bilingual (English and Spanish) health education workshops. A baseline assessment was administered before each educational workshop and a follow-up assessment was administered after to evaluate change in HPV and CT knowledge, intentions to vaccinate, and likelihood to participate in CT. Descriptive statistics were calculated to assess distribution of demographic variables of interest and a paired T-test was used to explore matched pre-post differences in knowledge scores and intentions. Results: 290 (HPV) 272 (CT) individuals participated in the workshops. The mean age of participants was 41.13yrs with a (SD=11.63). More than half of participants were women 453 (81.7%), men 94 (16.9%) and other 7 (1.26%). Comparing HPV knowledge scores of matched pre-and post-surveys, showed that for baseline (n=182) (M=72.9%, SD=13.3) was statistically different from post-scores (n=182) (M=81%, SD=9.85) where p<0.05. Intentions were measured using a Likert scale, baseline (M=4.1), agree to get HPV vaccine, post (M=4.5) strongly agree to get HPV vaccine. In respect to CT baseline knowledge (n=174) (M=75.3%, SD=0.15), following a Likert scale response of (M=3.4), unsure to join a clinic trial. In assessing post-CT scores (N=174) (M=78%, SD:0.14), mean scores were significant where p<0.05 and an increase to (M=3.7) agree to join a clinical trial. After workshops attendance, not only was knowledge increased, but intentions to vaccinate against HPV and to participate in a clinical trial was strengthen. Conclusions: Strengthening community-based education and providing the necessary tools, can help reframe misconceptions about HPV and HPV vaccination and promote willingness to vaccinate and participate in clinical trials. Citation Format: Alejandra Ramos, Carolina Aristizabal, Lourdes A. Baezconde-Garbanati. Assessing human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and intentions to participate in HPV vaccination and clinical trials (CT) among Latinos/as in Los Angeles (LA) County: A multicomponent intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 810.

Exploring Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal: A Study in Italy during the Vaccine Rollout.

The availability of an effective vaccine against COVID-19 virus marked a crucial moment in the fight against its pandemic spread. Although distribution of the vaccine began in December 2020, high acceptance rates and repeated administrations are needed to achieve widespread immunization, but hesitation toward the vaccine persists to this day. To identify psychological variables and other factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, we conducted a study from August 2021 to October 2022. An Internet-based survey gathered data from 137 Italian adults, exploring attitudes, sociodemographic characteristics, psychological variables, and immunization behavior. The results analysis showed that gender (69.2% of vaccine-adverse people were males), education (years of education was negatively correlated with vaccine hesitancy), and religion (not declaring oneself religious or atheist was more likely to be associated with hesitancy toward the vaccine) were the variables influencing attitudes toward the vaccine. Other psychological variables differentiated people with opposite attitudes toward the vaccine: high scores on the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire (CMQ) and Core Belief Inventory (CBI) were positively correlated with vaccine hesitancy, indicating that individuals with more pronounced core belief violation, due to the pandemic, tend to express higher levels of vaccine hesitancy. Finally, a linear regression analysis confirmed the role of participants' conspiracy mentality as a valid predictor for vaccine hesitancy.

Past Refusals, Reasons and Future of COVID Vaccinations in Colleges

A significant portion of the adult and college student populations have been observed to be reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 is still a threat and the unvaccinated students may yet pose a risk of spreading the disease in the case of a new variant. Many experts believe that COVID is here to stay and new variants are likely to come around. Thus, there is a need to examine the causes of vaccination refusal among college students so that efforts could be made to increase the vaccination rates if needed. Sources of information were classified into three categories: Scientific, Friends/Relatives, and Social Media. Results indicated that “No Faith in Government or Vaccine” was the dominant reason. Differences were noted with respect to gender. Refusal Reasonings also were correlated related to the source of information. The majority of respondents who refused the vaccine would reportedly refuse future COVID-related vaccines. This research may aid in future efforts to reduce reluctance among college-age students to accept the vaccine.

The Drivers of Low Vaccination Utilization in Niger.

Vaccination adherence involves the expected benefit of a vaccine and the perceived risk of the disease. To develop an evidence-based communication strategy aimed at improving vaccination coverage in Niger, we conducted a mixed socio-anthropological study of the perceptions among the population on the benefit and the risk of the childhood (Expanded Program on Immunization) and the COVID-19 vaccines. Our results show that negative rumors are not a significant driver of vaccine refusal. The insufficient level of fully vaccinated, compared with partially vaccinated, children might be explained by misunderstandings around the side effects of vaccines and the necessity for full vaccination. Approximately one-fourth of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19, whereas 73.3% think that vaccines against the disease are a "good thing," and 83% of those who have heard messages promoting the vaccination approve of them. This apparent contradiction is explained by a low perception of the risks of COVID-19. More than half of the population surveyed believe that the disease is not present in the country. A large majority believe that only ill people can transmit the disease, whereas only 12.8% think they know anybody who has ever been sick with COVID-19. Three-fourths of the interviewees have seen images from around the world of persons sick or deceased from COVID-19; the same proportion has not seen any such images of affected patients in Niger. Communication to improve COVID-19 uptake should focus on the reality of the disease presence and its transmission and not on rumors surrounding the vaccines.

Lay beliefs of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region of Ghana: recommendations for improved vaccine uptake

BackgroundThe COVID-19 vaccine has faced increased hesitancy in Ghana and the Volta region in particular since its rollout. Acceptance of the vaccine among intercity commercial drivers is crucial, especially in the Volta region, as they transport people within and outside the country and could fuel the transmission of the virus if not vaccinated.ObjectiveWe therefore established lay beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccine refusal among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region of Ghana, as well as their recommendations for improved vaccine uptake.MethodsWe purposively interviewed twenty-five (25) intercity commercial drivers who had not been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the Volta region of Ghana using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed their responses thematically using the ATLAS.ti software.ResultsVarious (ten) beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccine refusal were identified. These include the nonexistence of COVID-19, being immune to COVID-19, and the belief in the nonexistence of vaccines and vaccines being meant for the sick. Other beliefs identified were the belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is meant to reduce Africa’s population, that the vaccine triggers other health complications leading to death, the belief that vaccination could cause financial loss, political mistrust, that the COVID-19 vaccine is not permitted by God, and the belief that prayer prevents COVID-19 infection. They also suggested that the adoption of persuasive communication techniques, the publication of information on those who died of COVID-19, providing evidence of tests conducted on the vaccine, testing people before vaccination, provision of care to those who may experience side effects from the vaccine, and being able to explain why varied vaccines are used for the same virus could help improve vaccine uptake.ConclusionOur findings show that there is a general lack of understanding and mistrust surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region. Hence, health promotion officers and communicators in the region need to be knowledgeable on the vaccine as well as on the conspiracy theories thwarting its uptake to provide comprehensive education to the public and intercity commercial drivers to improve its uptake.

Rejection of the Covid-19 Vaccination in Community Sidourip Village-Beringin District

: Covid-19 is currently a global concern, with the number of cases increasing daily. Indonesia has the highest rate of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia. The Covid-19 vaccine is one of the government's breakthroughs in the control and management of Covid-19. The aim of Covid-19 vaccination is to reduce spread, morbidity and mortality, achieve immunity and protect the public. However, there are still many groups of people who refuse to be vaccinated. The main objective is to determine the factors associated with community refusal of Covid-19 vaccination in Sidourip village, Beringin district in 2021. Methods are observational-analytical studies with cross-sectional design. Sample size was determined using a convenience sampling method with a sample of 83 people. Relationship between age and community refusal of Covid-19 vaccine p value = 0.003 (p≤0.05). Relationship between work and community refusal of Covid-19 vaccine p value = 0.007 (p≤0.05). Relationship between level of education and community refusal of Covid-19 vaccine p value = 0.000 (p≤0.05). The conclusion is that there is a relationship between age, occupational status and level of knowledge with community rejection of Covid-19 vaccine in Sidourip village, Beringin district in 2021.

Factors Influencing Childhood Vaccine Refusal in Parents in Southern Malaysia and Its Effect on Health: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Recent increases in the number of communicable disease cases in Malaysia have caused significant concern, particularly as vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to explore parents' knowledge, perceptions, and factors associated with childhood vaccine refusal in order to have better understanding about vaccine hesitancy. Method: This study utilized an online cross- sectional questionnaire distributed via snowball sampling to parents in Melaka and Johor. 369 respondents completed the survey. Result: The results showed significant differences between religion against parents' perceptions and knowledge (p<0.001 and p=0.015) and between parents' knowledge and perception and vaccine refusal factors (p<0.001, both). Other than that, there are significant association between education level and parent's perception regarding vaccine. The positive perception surrounding vaccine is the major cause of vaccine refusal which contradictwith previous study. Conclusion: The study's conclusion was that parental perception in the South region of Malaysia is affected by religious restrictions and education level, while parents' perception about vaccines is more likely to cause vaccine refusal in children. Therefore, it is essential to educate parents about the efficacy of vaccines in protecting their children and to address concerns related to religious beliefs. Overall, this study sheds light on the important role that education and awareness play in overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia. By understanding parents' knowledge and perceptions, public health officials can develop targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake and improve the overall health of the population.

Polio vaccine misinformation on social media: challenges, efforts, and recommendations

On April 22, 2019, false rumors regarding the side effects of the polio vaccine quickly spread across various social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), WhatsApp, and YouTube. This rapid spread of misinformation had a detrimental impact on Pakistan's efforts to eradicate polio. This essay sheds lights on two critical aspects related to polio vaccine misinformation on social media in Pakistan. First, it examines the current state of polio vaccine misinformation on social media and finds it a significant threat to public health, resulting in vaccine refusals, erosion of trust in public health institutions, distrust in science, and providing opportunities for anti-vaccination groups and individual advocates to target healthcare workers involved in polio eradication efforts nationwide. Second, it highlights the collaborative initiatives undertaken by relevant government institutions and social media companies, which have proven inadequate in effectively addressing the persistent dissemination of mis/disinformation, particularly on Facebook. Lastly, we suggest Pakistan should adopt a more inclusive approach of engaging all stakeholders, promote independent fact-checking initiatives, and increase health literacy among the target population about the risks and benefits associated with the polio vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Coverage and Confidence in Italy: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, the OBVIOUS Project.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are still below the target due to vaccine refusal or delay, lack of knowledge, and logistical challenges. Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to investigate social and behavioral factors influencing decision making about the HPV vaccine. The survey was conducted from 11 April to 29 May 2022 and involved 10,000 Italian citizens aged ≥ 18 years. The sample was stratified based on region of residence, gender, and age group. 3160 participants were surveyed about themselves, while 1266 respondents were surveyed about their children's vaccine uptake. Among females aged ≥ 26 years, the national average HPV vaccine uptake was 21.7%, with variations across different regions. In the 18-25 age group, females had a vaccine uptake (80.8%) twice as much as males (38.1%), while vaccine uptake among male and female children aged 9-11 was similar. The OBVIOUS study in Italy reveals factors influencing low HPV vaccine uptake, suggesting targeted approaches, tailored information campaigns, heightened awareness of eligibility, promoting early vaccination, addressing low-risk perception among males, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing perceived accessibility to improve vaccine uptake and mitigate health risks.

Public preferences for vaccination campaigns in the COVID-19 endemic phase: insights from the VaxPref database

ObjectiveDespite widespread perceptions that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is no longer a significant threat, the virus continues to loom, and new variants may require renewed efforts to control its spread. Understanding how individual preferences and attitudes influence vaccination behaviour and policy compliance in light of the endemic phase is crucial in preparation for this scenario. MethodThis paper presents descriptive data from a global stated choice survey conducted in 22 countries across 6 different continents between July 2022 and August 2023, and reports the methodological work developed to address the need for comparable data. ResultsThis study included 50,242 respondents. Findings indicated significant heterogeneity across countries in terms of vaccination status and willingness to accept boosters. Vaccine hesitancy and refusal were driven by lower trust in public health bodies, younger age, and lower educational levels. Refusers and hesitant people reported lower willingness to take risks compared to those fully vaccinated (p<0.05). Lower mental health levels were found for the hesitant cohort (p<0.05). ConclusionsInsights from this database can help public health authorities to gain a new understanding of the vaccine hesitancy phenomenon, support them in managing the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase, and favour a new stream of research to maximise behavioural response to vaccination programs in preparation of future pandemics.

Correspondence on "Factors in Vaccine Refusal by Patients Applying for COVID-19 PCR Test".

Correspondence on "Factors in Vaccine Refusal by Patients Applying for COVID-19 PCR Test".

About on "Factors in Vaccine Refusal by Patients Applying for COVID-19 PCR Test".

About on "Factors in Vaccine Refusal by Patients Applying for COVID-19 PCR Test".

COVID-19 Vaccine Perspective From Adolescents' Lens in the US.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates 773 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in all age groups. Though a lot of studies have looked at COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and hesitancy in adults, there is scarce research addressing adolescent vaccination readiness. COVID-19 infection in this age group may result in lost school days, school and community transmission, and loss of productivity for parents. Aim This study aims to determine COVID-19 vaccination rates and factors influencing its acceptance and hesitancy in adolescents in a community setting. Methods A voluntary survey was conducted at a local high school in May 2023. Information was collected about the demographics of adolescents and the educational background of parents/guardians. The survey assessed the COVIDvaccine rate, reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or refusal, number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine and boosters received, prior history of COVID-19 infection, source of information on COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine acceptance by the students, and whether they would be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Results Four hundred participants, ranging in age from 13 to 19, were surveyed. The vaccination rate in boys was comparable to that in girls. 72% received at least one COVID-19 vaccine, and 66% were considered completely vaccinated. Of those completely vaccinated, 80% had undergone further updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Adolescents whose parents/guardians were college graduates had a higher vaccination rate than those whose parents/guardians were not. Caucasians and Asians had a higher vaccination rate compared to African Americans and mixed races. The vaccination rate was not statistically different in adolescents with prior COVID-19 infection versus no prior infection. Flu vaccination was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates. Lack of trust was an important reason for vaccine hesitancy, along with questions about efficacy, concerns about side effects, parent/guardian decisions, and religious reasons. Protecting oneself, family/friends, and community were the major reasons to take the vaccine. Parents/guardians, physicians, peers, television, social media, flyers, and schools were the primary sources that adolescents relied on for information about the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion Lower education attainment among parents/guardians, African Americans, and mixed races was associated with lower vaccination rates. Lack of trust in the vaccine, questions about efficacy, and fear of side effects were the most frequently cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Parent/guardian influence and religious reasons were other significant reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Flu vaccination was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates. Understanding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination will allow us to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccinations appropriate for this age group. Educating adolescents in schools, involving local and state health departments to increase awareness about the vaccine, and educating parents and guardians along with the teenagers can help increase the acceptance of the vaccine. These interventions will also positively affect the acceptance of the booster and prepare us for any future pandemics.

Pandemic lifeworlds: A segmentation analysis of public responsiveness to official communication about Covid-19 in England.

Pandemics such as Covid-19 pose tremendous public health communication challenges in promoting protective behaviours, vaccination, and educating the public about risks. Segmenting audiences based on attitudes and behaviours is a means to increase the precision and potential effectiveness of such communication. The present study reports on such an audience segmentation effort for the population of England, sponsored by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and involving a collaboration of market research and academic experts. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 4 and 24 January 2022 with 5525 respondents (5178 used in our analyses) in England using market research opt-in panel. An additional 105 telephone interviews were conducted to sample persons without online or smartphone access. Respondents were quota sampled to be demographically representative. The primary analytic technique was k means cluster analysis, supplemented with other techniques including multi-dimensional scaling and use of respondent - as well as sample-standardized data when necessary to address differences in response set for some groups of respondents. Identified segments were profiled against demographic, behavioural self-report, attitudinal, and communication channel variables, with differences by segment tested for statistical significance. Seven segments were identified, including distinctly different groups of persons who tended toward a high level of compliance and several that were relatively low in compliance. The segments were characterized by distinctive patterns of demographics, attitudes, behaviours, trust in information sources, and communication channels preferred. Segments were further validated by comparing the segmentation variable versus a set of demographic variables as predictors of reported protective behaviours in the past two weeks and of vaccine refusal; the demographics together had about one-quarter the effect size of the single seven-level segment variable. With respect to managerial implications, different communication strategies for each segment are suggested for each segment, illustrating advantages of rich segmentation descriptions for understanding public health communication audiences. Strengths and weaknesses of the methods used are discussed, to help guide future efforts.

The refusal of COVID-19 vaccination and its associated factors: a meta-analysis

Background To date, more than 10% of the global population is unvaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the reasons why this population is not vaccinated are not well identified. Objectives We investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine refusal and to assess the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusal. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted from August to November 2022 (PROSPERO: CRD42022384562). We searched for articles investigating the refusal of COVID-19 vaccination and its potential associated factors in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Sciences. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and data were collected using a pilot form. The cumulative prevalence of the refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19 was identified through a single-arm meta-analysis. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusals were determined using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results A total of 24 articles were included in the analysis. Our findings showed that the global prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine refusal was 12%, with the highest prevalence observed in the general population and the lowest prevalence in the healthcare worker subgroup. Furthermore, individuals with a high socioeconomic status, history of previous vaccination, and a medical background had a lower rate of COVID-19 vaccination refusal. Subsequently, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 vaccine refusal: being female, educational attainment lower than an undergraduate degree, and living in a rural area. Conclusion Our study identified the prevalence of and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusal. This study may serve as an initial reference to achieve global coverage of COVID-19 vaccination by influencing the population of COVID-19 vaccine refusal.

Acceptance and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among Saudi pregnant women.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, it has significantly impacted health systems and societies worldwide. Pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness when associated with COVID-19. Pregnant women are likely to experience COVID-19-related pregnancy complications however many of them were hesitant to receive the vaccine. This study aimed to assess the acceptance and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Jeddah. The present study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design to include pregnant women through convenience sampling at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department and antenatal ward at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah. Data was collected from August to October 2022 using a structured questionnaire. Approximately one-third of the 264 participants (36.4%) strongly disagreed that they had developed immunity against COVID-19. More than half of them (61% and 66.3% respectively) had heard that the vaccine was unsafe for them and their babies during pregnancy, and it would contain the COVID-19 virus. However, half of them 50% agreed that vaccination would ease precautionary measures. A high acceptance score toward COVID-19 vaccination was observed among pregnant women working in the health sector. The most frequently reported reason for vaccination refusal was the belief that it was unsafe for the mother and her baby during pregnancy. Most of the participants perceived their susceptibility to COVID-19 infection as low and were hesitant to take the vaccine because of their worry about its effectiveness. However, they indicated a willingness to take the vaccine if it was mandatory and if they received adequate information about it. These findings correspond with previous studies conducted in Saudi Arabia that explore the reluctance of pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines and mental health

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed to examine the impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on mental health and relationships between psychological factors and vaccine acceptance in Turkey during the early pandemic period. The study included 1042 adults (70.9% females) with a mean age of 29.55 (SD = 10.29). The results showed that vaccinated participants had lower levels of COVID-19-induced anxiety and depression, and higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those without the vaccine. Furthermore, we found that COVID-19-induced anxiety and protective behaviours towards COVID-19 significantly increased the probability of vaccine acceptance, while depression significantly decreased it. Accordingly, governments should consider the mental health consequences of vaccination, as well as vaccine acceptance and refusal. More attention should be paid to psychological factors associated with attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine.

P692 An IBD nurse-led educational programme on safety and efficacy of adjuvated recombinant zoster vaccine can improve vaccine uptake in IBD patients on immunosuppressive treatment

Abstract Background Herpes Zoster (HZ) represents one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in IBD patients under immunosoppressive treatment and can be prevented by vaccination. Adjuvated recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is the first HZ vaccine approved for immunocompromised persons. IBD patients are less likely to receive appropriate vaccinations compared to the general population. IBD nurses operate as the primary point of contact for patients and this unique position provides a suitable opportunity to positively impact patient care and encourage vaccination. We aimed to improve RZV vaccination rates by a nurse-led education intervention within an on-site RZV vaccination programme. Methods IBD patients on immunosuppressive therapies were actively recruited by phone contact, mail and during outpatient clinic or infusion centre attendance. Prior immunization to VZV was collected from medical records. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard explanation on the importance of HZ vaccination by the IBD attending physician (group P) or additional education by an IBD nurse (group N). Patients in group N were referred to an IBD nurse for an individual 15 minutes nurse–patient interview. During the interview, disease activity and current treatment, previous immunization to VZV and history of HZ were reviewed; the importance, benefits and safety of HZ vaccination with RZV were discussed with the patient. Patients were then referred to dedicated on-site vaccination clinics where vaccine administration was provided by the IBD nurses running the infusion centre. Reasons for vaccine refusal was also recorded. Results From February to April 2022, 164 (80%) out of 205 eligible patients were enrolled (median age 48.5 years, 54.1% male; 48.7% UC, 51.3% CD); 65 patients (39.6%) were randomized to group P and 99 patients (60.4%) to group N. Six months after randomization, 112 (68.2%) had received at least 1 RZV vaccine dose whereas vaccination was completed in 110 patients (67%). Vaccination rate was significantly higher in the nurse-led education intervention group compared to standard clinical care (group N 75.7% vs group P 56.9%,p&amp;lt;0.05). Most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns about side effects (40.9%), fear of vaccine aggravating the disease (14.7%), considering themselves not at risk (13.3%) and objection to the administration of vaccine (10.1%). Conclusion Vaccination recommendations should be responsibility of the IBD patient care team and efforts should be made to reduce vaccine hesitancy. We showed that a simple nurse-led educational intervention on vaccine safety and efficacy was able to improve RVZ vaccination rates in IBD patients on immunosuppressive treatment.

P1155 Impact of COVID19 pandemic and vaccination among IBD patients: a multinational cross sectional survey

Abstract Background The aim of current study is to evaluate impact of COVID19 pandemic and vaccination against it on the course and symptoms of IBD. Methods During a six months’ period, all of the IBD cases who attend in outpatient clinics of nine referral centers in 6 countries include and request to fill a questionnaire about their demographic characters and pattern of IBD, any history of involvement with COVID19 and their vaccination history. Results overall 812 cases from 16 countries included (52.4% male) with average age of 36.8 y (range 7 – 76). 68.5% of participants diagnosed as UC and 29.5% as CD. 80% of participants have vaccinated against COVID19 (average 2.3 times, range 1 – 5). Among those who vaccinated (group A) 31.6% experienced side effects and complication without any mortality. The most common complications of vaccination include fever (24%), fatigue (20.1%) and anorexia 8.6%. The most common reasons for vaccination refusal (group B) were fear of vaccine complication (55.5%), no believe in vaccine protection (29.6%) and fear of immunocompromised condition (17.9%). In group A overall 61% of participants involved with COVID 19 (36.2% after vaccination) in comparison with 48.1% in group B (P = 0.0052). Most of the involvements in both groups were not sever and just a minority of patients admitted to hospital (10% in group A and 6.4% in group B). Following COVID involvement, 45.1% of cases suffered with GI symptoms (mostly diarrhea (72.5%) and abdominal pain (64.5%)). In group A, 37.3% of involvements have happened before vaccination. Conclusion Vaccination against COVID19 is safe and effective among IBD patients and following vaccination, most of complications are minor and negligible. In case of COVID involvement, it would not be serious and there is no need to hold the medications. Among IBD patients, the most common reason for vaccination refusal is fear of vaccine side effect.

The mental health symptoms of individuals with sensory disabilities and the reasons that lead to COVID-19 vaccine refusal and hesitancy

The relationship between the reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or refusal among people with sensory disabilities and mental health conditions (MHCs) are unclear. Data from the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey were analyzed to examine reasons for COVID-19 vaccination refusal among persons with sensory disabilities. Multivariable logistic and polytomous regression were used to examine the relationships among sensory disability status, MHC, and reasons for vaccine refusal and hesitancy. Individuals with sensory disabilities had higher proportion of anxiety and depression than those without a sensory disability. Individuals with a sensory disability and MHCs were less likely to obtain a vaccine and have a general distrust in the COVID-19 vaccine and the government than those without a disability or a MHC. These findings can assist in tailoring messages and developing programs to increase COVID-19 vaccination trust and uptake among individuals with disabilities and MHCs.