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Leshi E, Pagkozidis I, Exidari M, Gioula G, Chatzidimitriou M, Tirodimos I, Dardavesis T, Tsimtsiou Z. Mapping Adult Vaccine Confidence in Future Health Professionals: A Pilot Study among Undergraduate Students at Two Universities in Greece. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:778. [PMID: 39066416 PMCID: PMC11281574 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070778] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Health professionals' recommendations increase vaccine uptake. We aimed to document stances, practices regarding adult vaccination, and their predictors among undergraduate medical and biomedical science students, as well as their perspectives on increasing vaccine confidence. Among the 430 participants, third-year students from two universities in Greece, only 25.4% were in favor of all vaccines, while no refuters were detected. Predictors of recommending vaccination were the Attitudes Towards Adult Vaccination (ATAVAC) Value (OR 3.26, p < 0.001) and ATAVAC Safety subscales scores (OR 1.36, p < 0.05), being a medical student (OR 2.45, p < 0.05), and having better self-rated health status (OR 2.27, p < 0.05). The importance of getting vaccinated as health professionals was recognized by participants with a higher ATAVAC value (OR 5.39, p < 0.001), ATAVAC Safety scores (OR 1.46, p < 0.05), and increased knowledge regarding the National Immunization Program (OR 1.31, p < 0.05). The God Locus of Health Control (GLHC) was a predictor only in vaccination against COVID-19 (OR 0.91, p < 0.05). Improving community health literacy and health providers' education, boosting trust in authorities, and adopting a person-centered approach emerged as the main themes regarding how to increase vaccine confidence. Mapping health professionals' confidence in vaccines and providing lifelong training support is pivotal in supporting positive attitudes, enhancing their competence, and promoting vaccination in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enada Leshi
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.L.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.E.); (G.G.)
| | - Ilias Pagkozidis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.L.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Maria Exidari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.E.); (G.G.)
| | - Georgia Gioula
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.E.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Chatzidimitriou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ilias Tirodimos
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.L.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Theodoros Dardavesis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.L.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Zoi Tsimtsiou
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.L.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
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Sansone V, Miraglia del Giudice G, Della Polla G, Angelillo IF. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral changes in healthcare workers in Italy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1335953. [PMID: 38384871 PMCID: PMC10879601 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1335953] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to wearing face mask and washing hands procedures and achieving high COVID-19 vaccine coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) were essential to minimize morbidity and possible death and limit the transmission of the virus. The objectives of the cross-sectional survey were to explore the influence of COVID-19 on the use of preventive measures and vaccination willingness among HCWs in the southern part of Italy and the associated factors. Methods The survey was carried out from 15 June 2023 to 15 July 2023 among 521 HCWs who worked in three randomly selected public hospitals. All data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Results HCWs had a positive change in the use of preventive measures if they did not often/always use them before the pandemic, but they are using in the current epidemiologic context and they were willing to use in a future epidemic situation. A positive change in the adherence to face mask-wearing (24.6%) was more likely among those with at least 5 years of university degree, nurses/midwives, and who had worked in COVID-19 wards. A positive change in alcohol-based hand rubbing (3.1%) was more likely in HCWs in Emergency/Critical/Infectious Diseases wards compared with medical wards. HCWs who were more likely to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory for them (58.1%) had at least 5 years of university degree, in Emergency/Critical/Infectious Diseases wards compared with surgical and medical wards, had received more than three doses of this vaccine, were more concerned to get infected during their activity, and had received information from scientific journals. HCWs more willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine every year (39.8%) were males, physicians, those in Emergency/Critical/Infectious Diseases wards compared with medical wards, who had received more than three doses of this vaccine, who believed that this vaccine should be mandatory for HCWs, and who needed additional information. Discussion The survey showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the use of preventive measures among HCWs, not necessarily for the improvement or increase. Educational messages on the importance of these measures regarding the promotion and recommendation of the vaccine need to be investigated and applied among HCWs in order to reduce vaccination gaps and the spread of the infection.
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Avramidis I, Pagkozidis I, Domeyer PRJ, Papazisis G, Tirodimos I, Dardavesis T, Tsimtsiou Z. Exploring Perceptions and Practices Regarding Adult Vaccination against Seasonal Influenza, Tetanus, Pneumococcal Disease, Herpes Zoster and COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study in Greece. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:80. [PMID: 38250893 PMCID: PMC10818817 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010080] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to document vaccination coverage for five vaccines, predictors of each vaccine's uptake and attitudes regarding adult vaccination. Adults visiting four pharmacies were randomly invited to participate during summer 2022. Among 395 participants (mean age 51.2 years, range 19-96), vaccination rates were 78.1% for influenza and 25.8% for herpes zoster (≥60 years old), 64.3% for pneumococcal disease (≥65 years old), 33.1% for tetanus, while 11.4% had received two and 74.8% ≥3 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Half of participants (50.1%) voiced some degree of hesitancy, and 1.3% were refusers. The strongest predictor of each vaccine's uptake was doctor's recommendation (OR range 11.33-37.66, p < 0.001) and pharmacist's recommendation (4.01-19.52, p < 0.05), except for the COVID-19 vaccine, where the Attitude Towards Adult VACcination (ATAVAC) value of adult vaccination subscale's score was the only predictor (OR: 5.75, p < 0.001). Regarding insufficient coverage, thematic content analysis revealed seven main themes. Insufficient knowledge, the absence of health professionals' recommendation, perception of low susceptibility to disease, negligence and dispute of vaccine effectiveness were universal themes, whereas safety concerns and distrust in authorities were reported solely for COVID-19 vaccination. Designing public interventions aiming to increase trust in adult vaccination is essential in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals' role in recommending strongly adult vaccination is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iordanis Avramidis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Ilias Pagkozidis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | | | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ilias Tirodimos
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Theodoros Dardavesis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Zoi Tsimtsiou
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
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Nikolopoulou GB, Tzoutzas I, Tsakris A, Maltezou HC. Hepatitis B in Healthcare Personnel: An Update on the Global Landscape. Viruses 2023; 15:2454. [PMID: 38140695 PMCID: PMC10748141 DOI: 10.3390/v15122454] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the outstanding progress that has been made in the prevention, detection, and management of hepatitis B during the past decades, hepatitis B remains a problem among healthcare personnel (HCP) in many countries. We reviewed studies on all aspects of hepatitis B in HCP published from 2017 through April 2023. They revealed wide variations on the prevalence of infection among HCP, ranging from 0.6% in Europe to >8.7% in Africa, almost always in association with very low vaccination rates. Many studies found a significant association between HCP's knowledge about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccines, their vaccination status, and practices. This research also discloses global inequities regarding vaccination policies against hepatitis B, free-of-charge vaccinations, and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Strategies to prevent and manage accidental exposures are needed in order to reduce the burden of hepatitis B on HCP, while written policies for all aspects of infection prevention, protective equipment, and PEP should be available. Lastly, HCP should be accordingly educated. These are all imperative given the decline of routine vaccinations in the COVID-19 era, particularly in countries with fragile vaccination programs, and the disruptions of interventions for hepatitis B that are expected to provide a pool of virus transmission to future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B. Nikolopoulou
- Department of Hepatitis, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Tzoutzas
- School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Helena C. Maltezou
- Directorate of Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece
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Kalatzi P, Travlos AK, Geladas N, Iliadou M, Tzavara C, Chryssanthopoulos C, Mihopoulos A, Tziaferi S. Vaccination coverage of primary care providers against seasonal influenza, tetanus, pneumococcal pneumonia and herpes zoster: A cross-sectional study in Greece. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:952-963. [PMID: 38187900 PMCID: PMC10764975 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023061] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary care providers' (PCPs) compliance to self-immunization is important for their protection and the protection of their colleagues and patients and has been associated with the coverage of the general public. In this study, we aim to investigate the vaccination coverage of PCPs. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians, nurses and pharmacists employed in public or private primary care settings in Greece. Demographic and occupational characteristics as well as vaccination coverage data for influenza, tetanus, pneumococcal pneumonia and herpes zoster were collected. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results In total, 748 (61.7% response rate) PCPs participated. Vaccination rates were 66.4% (496/747) for influenza (2019/2020 flu season), 62.9% (469/746) for tetanus (10-year Td or Tdap booster dose), 70% (14/20) for pneumococcal pneumonia (≥ 1 dose of PPSV23 or PCV13) and 12.3% (10/81) for herpes zoster. Multiple logistic regression revealed that nurses had significantly lower probability of being vaccinated against influenza [odds ratio (OR) = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14-0.45] and pharmacists had significantly lower probability of being vaccinated against both influenza (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.31-0.62) and influenza & tetanus (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.37-0.73) compared to physicians. Older age (>40 years) was an independent risk factor for not receiving a tetanus vaccine (40-49 vs. 19-39; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.28-0.63, over 50 years old vs. 19-39; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.36-0.79). Conclusions The results revealed suboptimal vaccination rates among health providers who are in the frontline of adult immunization. Individualized and targeted measures to improve their vaccination coverage and indirectly the vaccination coverage of their patients, are therefore required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Kalatzi
- Laboratory of Integrated Health Care, Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Antonios K. Travlos
- Department of Sports Organization and Management, University of Peloponnese, Sparti, Greece
| | - Nickos Geladas
- Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Iliadou
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Tzavara
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Mihopoulos
- Laboratory of Integrated Health Care, Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Styliani Tziaferi
- Laboratory of Integrated Health Care, Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
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Tsiligianni I, Bouloukaki I, Papazisis G, Paganas A, Chatzimanolis E, Kalatharas M, Platakis I, Tirodimos I, Dardavesis T, Tsimtsiou Z. Vaccination coverage and predictors of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake among adults in Greece. Public Health 2023; 224:195-202. [PMID: 37820537 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insufficient adult vaccination coverage rates remain an international challenge. This nationwide study aimed at exploring vaccination coverage and predictors of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake, following the recommendations of the National Immunization Program for adults. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter, mixed-methods study conducted at 23 primary care units in six different regions of Greece. METHODS A pretested questionnaire was administered to three randomly selected adults who visited each practice daily for 30 consecutive working days. RESULTS Among the 1571 participants, vaccination coverage for influenza in the high-risk groups was 55%, 36% for pneumococcal disease, 12% for herpes zoster (HZ), 21% for tetanus, 33% for measles, and 11% for hepatitis B. Perception of low susceptibility to disease due to good health status, concerns about side-effects and vaccines' efficacy, and mistrust in pharmaceutical companies were among common factors associated with the vaccines uptake. The strongest factor associated with the participants' vaccination status was their doctor's recommendation (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] influenza: 6.06 [4.52-8.14], pneumococcal disease: 15.73 [10.98-22.52], HZ: 17.01 [9.05-31.96], tetanus: 23.93 [16.20-35.35], measles: 33.47 [16.85-66.47], and hepatitis B: 73.92 [17.47-312.74]). Being well-informed about each vaccine was also a predictor of its uptake. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination coverage was suboptimal and especially low in tetanus, HZ, and hepatitis B immunization. Person-centered approach, with provision of appropriate information about vaccines' safety and efficacy, responding to each patient's needs, as well as physicians' strong recommendation for vaccination are considered crucial to advocate against the spread of vaccine misinformation and increase vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tsiligianni
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece
| | - I Bouloukaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Paganas
- Health Center of Litochoro, Litochoro, Pieria, Greece
| | - E Chatzimanolis
- Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece; Rural Practice of Aiani, Aiani, Kozani, Greece
| | - M Kalatharas
- Rural Practice of Pedino, Pedino, Karditsa, Greece
| | - I Platakis
- Health Center of Moires, Moires, Crete, Greece
| | - I Tirodimos
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Dardavesis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Z Tsimtsiou
- Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece; Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Politis M, Sotiriou S, Doxani C, Stefanidis I, Zintzaras E, Rachiotis G. Healthcare Workers' Attitudes towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040880. [PMID: 37112791 PMCID: PMC10142794 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccine mandates are considered a controversial public health policy both in public debate and among healthcare workers (HCWs). Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to give a deep insight into HCWs' views and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination mandates amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A systematic literature search of five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was conducted between July 2022 and November 2022. Original quantitative studies that addressed the attitudes of HCWs regarding COVID-19 vaccine mandates were considered eligible for this systematic review. All the included studies (n = 57) were critically appraised and assessed for risk of systematic bias. Meta-analyses were performed, providing a pooled estimate of HCWs' acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccine mandates for: 1. HCWs and 2. the general population. RESULTS In total, 64% (95% CI: 55%, 72%) of HCWs favored COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCWs, while 50% (95% CI: 38%, 61%) supported mandating COVID-19 vaccines for the general population. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 is a highly controversial issue among HCWs. The present study provides stakeholders and policy makers with useful evidence related to the compulsory or non-compulsory nature of COVID-19 vaccinations for HCWs and the general population. Other: The protocol used in this review is registered on PROSPERO with the ID number: CRD42022350275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Politis
- Department of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotiris Sotiriou
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Doxani
- Department of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Stefanidis
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Elias Zintzaras
- Department of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
- Center for Clinical Evidence Synthesis, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- The Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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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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Iguacel I, Álvarez-Najar JP, Vásquez PDC, Alarcón J, Orte MÁ, Samatán E, Martínez-Jarreta B. Citizen Stance towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Booster Doses: A Study in Colombia, El Salvador and Spain. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:781. [PMID: 35632537 PMCID: PMC9147164 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The infections and deaths resulting from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggered the need for some governments to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory. The present study aims to analyze the position of 3026 adults in Colombia, El Salvador, and Spain regarding the possibility of making COVID-19 vaccine mandatory and the intention to be vaccinated with the booster or possible successive doses. Data from an online survey conducted from August to December 2021 among a non-representative sample of Spanish-speaking countries were collected. Multinomial Logistic Regression Models were used. A total of 77.4% of Colombians were in favor of mandatory vaccination compared to 71.5% of Salvadorians and 65.4% of Spaniards (p < 0.000). Women and people over 65 years of age were the groups most in favor of making the vaccine mandatory (p < 0.000). A total of 79.4% said they had received a third dose or would intend to receive the third dose or future doses, if necessary, compared with 9.4% who expressed doubts and 9.9% who refused to be vaccinated or did not intend to be vaccinated. Among the measures that could be taken to motivate vaccination, 63.0% and 60.6% were in favor of requiring a negative test to enter any place of leisure or work, respectively, compared to 16.2% in favor of suspension from work without pay. The acceptance of mandatory vaccination and of third or future doses varies greatly according to sociodemographic characteristics and work environment. As such, it is recommended that policy makers adapt public health strategies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Iguacel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Judith Alarcón
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.); (M.Á.O.); (E.S.)
| | - María Ángeles Orte
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.); (M.Á.O.); (E.S.)
| | - Eva Samatán
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.); (M.Á.O.); (E.S.)
| | - Begoña Martínez-Jarreta
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.A.); (M.Á.O.); (E.S.)
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