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Vojtek I, van Wouw M, Thomson A. Impact of COVID-19 on vaccine confidence and uptake: A systematic literature review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2384180. [PMID: 39106971 PMCID: PMC11305033 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2384180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scheduled vaccinations were postponed, mass vaccination programmes were suspended and opportunities for healthcare workers to administer vaccines ad hoc decreased. The aims of this systematic literature review were to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine confidence, intent and uptake in preexisting routine childhood or adult vaccination programmes, and to identify factors associated with changes in acceptance, intent and uptake of preexisting vaccines. Medline and Embase were searched for studies in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, the USA, and European countries, published between 1 January 2021 and 4 August 2022. A complementary gray literature search was conducted between 11 and 13 October 2022, and supplemented with additional gray research in October 2023. In total, 54 citations were included in the review. Study design and geography were heterogeneous. The number of adults who received or intended to receive an influenza or pneumococcal vaccine was higher during the pandemic than in previous seasons (n = 28 studies). In addition, increased acceptance of adult vaccinations was observed during 2020-21 compared with 2019-20 (n = 12 studies). The rates of childhood vaccinations decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic across several countries (n = 11 studies). Factors associated with changes in intention to receive a vaccination, or uptake of influenza vaccine, included previous vaccination, older age, higher perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, anxiety regarding the pandemic and fear of contracting COVID-19. Acceptance and uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines generally increased after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Vojtek
- GSK K.K, Japan Medical Affairs, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Angus Thomson
- Irimi Company, Lyon, France
- Department of Communication Studies and Global Health Communication Center, Indiana University School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Akmatova R, Ebama MS, Temirbekov S, Alymkulova V, Otorbaeva D. A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza and influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00420-1. [PMID: 38594119 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza, a globally significant respiratory illness with pandemic potential, affects around 1 billion individuals annually, leading to increased risk for severe illness and mortality. Despite recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and MoH prioritization, influenza vaccination coverage rate among HCWs in Kyrgyzstan remains low, ranging between 16 % and 46 % over the past five years. Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) dynamics of HCWs regarding influenza vaccinations, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for refining national strategies and institutional approaches to enhance vaccination coverage rates in this important risk group. METHOD This study employed cross sectional investigations aimed at assessing KAPs among HCWs regarding influenza disease and vaccination. Conducted prior to and during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project involved 2400 participants from diverse medical disciplines. EPI Info was utilized to run biostatistical analyses, with descriptive and logistic regression models, to elucidate the dynamics of KAP over time. RESULTS The findings indicate that HCWs with over 5 years of experience were more likely to get vaccinated or recommend it to patients (p = 0.000). Low confidence in vaccine effectiveness influenced on recommendations of influenza vaccination in pre-pandemic time, where insufficient (95 %CI 0.08-0.6; p = 0.003) or uncertain assurance in vaccine effectiveness (95 %CI 0.007-0.18; p = 0.000) was a barrier for vaccine promotion during the pandemic. The study underscores to consider mandatory influenza vaccination for HCWs which may impact on likelihood of flu vaccination (p = 0.001). Priority groups for influenza vaccination shifted during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing older adults, individuals with existing conditions, and HCWs, compared to the pre-pandemic focus on HCWs, children, and patients with pre-existing conditions. CONCLUSION Our investigation provides valuable insights into HCWs KAP concerning influenza vaccination in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing factors influencing vaccine acceptance. The study suggests policy implications, advocating for the revision of national strategies to strengthen capacity building for medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhat Akmatova
- Center for Vaccine Equity, Task Force for Global Health, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030, United States.
| | - Malembe S Ebama
- Center for Vaccine Equity, Task Force for Global Health, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030, United States.
| | - Sanjar Temirbekov
- Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiology Surveillance under the Ministry of Health, 535 Frunze Street, 720033 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Venera Alymkulova
- Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiology Surveillance under the Ministry of Health, 535 Frunze Street, 720033 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Dinara Otorbaeva
- Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiology Surveillance under the Ministry of Health, 535 Frunze Street, 720033 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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Ledda C, Motta G, Rapisarda V, Maltezou HC. Influenza immunization of healthcare personnel in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era: Still a lot to do! Vaccine X 2023; 15:100402. [PMID: 38058792 PMCID: PMC10696103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated influenza is frequently encountered in healthcare settings with significant morbidity and mortality among vulnerable patients, absenteeism among healthcare personnel (HCP), and interruption of healthcare services. Numerous investigations indicate that nosocomial outbreaks are often traced to HCP. Despite the international and national endorsements, seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance among HCP continues suboptimal worldwide. Infection control is the major objective for healthcare risk management in order to guarantee patient safety, limit the cost of hospitalization and assurance health management in controlling influenza seasons. Vigilance and anticipation are required as globally we are moving from a reactive COVID-19 pandemic response phase to one of planning for the co-circulation of viral respiratory infections. Declining to understand HCP perception of influenza risk and acceptance of vaccination might have impact patient safety as well as healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Motta
- Occupational Medicine Unit, “Garibaldi” Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Helena C. Maltezou
- Directorate for Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
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Morgel O, Czock A, Lang P. Peri-Pandemic Acceptance of Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination by Swiss Healthcare Workers in Primary Care 2020/21: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605832. [PMID: 38033764 PMCID: PMC10684700 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess and compare influenza and COVID-19 vaccination uptake of Swiss healthcare workers (HCWs) in primary care 2020/21. Methods: Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination uptake and recommendation behaviours of HCWs in the primary care were assessed using an online semi-structured questionnaire. Associations between vaccination rates and age, language, gender, profession, vaccination history, vaccination training and recommendation behaviours were evaluated using descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2020/21 were 91.8% of the 1,237 participating HCWs, while 60.1% were vaccinated against influenza. Physicians and pharmacists presented the highest influenza vaccination rates (87.3%, 73.7%, respectively) compared to nurses (45.8%) and medical practice assistants (52.5%) while COVID-19 vaccination rates were high across all professions. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates were significantly associated with age, profession, vaccination history, vaccination training and recommendation behaviours. Conclusion: Acceptance for influenza vaccination has increased during the pandemic but is lower than that for COVID-19 among the HCWs. Demographics, vaccination status and vaccination training impact the vaccination behaviour among HCWs and should be considered in future campaigns to increase vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Morgel
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Centre Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Phung Lang
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Langer R, Thanner M. Pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination: does the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference? EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100235. [PMID: 36816546 PMCID: PMC9925413 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza vaccine uptake in most European countries remains low, despite the World Health Organization's target of 75%. Community pharmacists play a vital role in promoting vaccination; however, they have been reported to be vaccine-hesitant. This study aimed to investigate changes in pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Methods In December 2020, all members of the Swiss Association of Pharmacists were invited to participate in an online, cross-sectional survey. This study assessed pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination by surveying influenza vaccine uptake during the 2019-20 influenza season and possible reasons for their decision(s), in addition to their intention to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination(s) during the 2020-21 influenza season. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess predictors of vaccine uptake and intention. Results Of 5900 Swiss pharmacists, 569 (9.6%) completed the survey. The self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists during the 2019-20 season was 48.0%. The primary reason for vaccine uptake was the belief that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated, whereas the main reason for refusal was a lack of concern about contracting influenza. The proportions of participants who intend to accept influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2020-2021 season, when available, were 63.3% and 66.5%, respectively. The most important predictor of high willingness to be vaccinated against influenza in 2020-21 was vaccination history (OR = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.47-9.50), while the most critical predictor of willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was the intention to be vaccinated against influenza (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.74-6.84). Conclusions Findings indicated that although pharmacists' readiness to accept seasonal influenza vaccination significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine uptake among them remains suboptimal. This is consistent with what has been reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Langer
- Department of Medical Sciences, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL), Triesen, Principality of Liechtenstein
| | - Mirjam Thanner
- Frauenklinik, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Bianchi FP, Cuscianna E, Rizzi D, Signorile N, Daleno A, Migliore G, Tafuri S. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on flu vaccine uptake in healthcare workers in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:777-784. [PMID: 37605528 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2250437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza immunization policies in Europe primarily target at-risk and vulnerable subjects. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a key focus of vaccination campaigns. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the role of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccine uptake among HCWs since the 2020/21 influenza season. AREAS COVERED Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review, selected from scientific articles available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases between 1 January 2021 and 15 January 2023 The analysis revealed a significant relationship between influenza vaccine uptake and COVID-19 related determinants, such as willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, fear of COVID-19, and differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms (OR = 5.70; 95%CI = 2.08-15.60). Several studies reported higher vaccination coverages in the 2020/21 season compared to previous seasons, with VC values ranging from + 17% to + 38% compared to the 2019/20 season. The included studies identified a shift in HCWs' attitudes toward influenza vaccination, attributed to increased awareness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EXPERT OPINION Vaccine hesitancy is common among HCWs in Europe, necessitating mutual strategies across all European countries. So far, mandatory vaccination policies have shown the most potential in achieving high and sustainable influenza vaccination rates among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo Bianchi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Bari Policlinico General-University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Rizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Noemi Signorile
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Daleno
- Bari Policlinico General-University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Marinos G, Lamprinos D, Georgakopoulos P, Oikonomou E, Zoumpoulis G, Siasos G, Schizas D, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Patoulis G, Patsourakos F, Datseris I, Tsoukalos E, Anyfantis ID, Papagiannis D, Symvoulakis EK, Rachiotis G. Increased Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Members of the Athens Medical Association Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:797. [PMID: 35632553 PMCID: PMC9148125 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers are at high risk of influenza virus infection as well as of transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients who may be at high risk of severe illness. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and related factors of influenza vaccination coverage (2020-2021flu season), among members of the Athens Medical Association in Greece. This survey employed secondary analysis data from a questionnaire-based dataset on COVID-19 vaccination coverage and associated factors from surveyed doctors, registered within the largest medical association in Greece. All members were invited to participate in the anonymous online questionnaire-based survey over the period of 25 February to 13 March 2021. Finally, 1993 physicians (60% males; 40% females) participated in the study. Influenza vaccination coverage was estimated at 76%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that older age (OR = 1.02; 95% C.I. = 1.01-1.03), history of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 2.71; 95% C.I. = 2.07-3.56) and perception that vaccines in general are safe (OR = 16.49; 95% C.I. = 4.51-60.25) were found to be independently associated factors with the likelihood of influenza vaccination coverage. Public health authorities should maximize efforts and undertake additional actions in order to increase the percentage of physicians/health care workers (HCWs) being immunized against influenza. The current COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to focus on tailored initiatives and interventions aiming to improve the influenza vaccination coverage of HCWs in a spirit of synergy and cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lamprinos
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (P.G.); (G.Z.)
| | | | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (G.S.)
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Zoumpoulis
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (P.G.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christos Damaskos
- N.S. Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Patoulis
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Fotios Patsourakos
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Ioannis Datseris
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Efstathios Tsoukalos
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Ioannis D. Anyfantis
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), Prevention and Research Unit, 48003 Bilbao, Spain;
| | - Dimitrios Papagiannis
- Public Health & Vaccines Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Lariss, Greece;
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