Belief correlations with parental vaccine hesitancy: Results from a national survey

Esoteric beliefs and CAM impact SARS-CoV-2 immunization drivers, uptake and pediatric immunization views in Germany

Recent studies demonstrate that sociopolitical attitudes partially explain variance in (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine hesitancy and uptake. Other attitudes, such as those towards esoteric beliefs, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and religion, have also been proposed. However, pertinent studies provide limited direction for public health efforts, as the impact of such attitudes has been tested in isolation or on different outcomes. Moreover, related associations between SARS-CoV-2 immunization drivers as well as views towards other modes of immunization (e.g., routine pediatric immunization), remain unclear. Based on a sample of ~7400 survey participants (Germany), where esoteric belief systems and CAM (Waldorf, homeopathy) are rather prevalent, and controlling for other sociological factors, we found that (i) individuals with positive attitudes towards Waldorf education and homeopathy are significantly less likely to have received a (further) dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine compared to those with positive views of mainstream medicine; (ii) for the former, immunization decisions are primarily driven by external pressures, and for the latter overwhelmingly by voluntary considerations; (iii) attitudes influencing adult SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake similarly influence views towards routine pediatric immunization. Our findings provide significant evidence informing a more nuanced design of public health and communication campaigns, and pertinent policies.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: A Nursing Perspective

PURPOSE

Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective health promotion interventions, preventing millions of deaths per year. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) received renewed attention in the United States when over 30 million Americans were undecided or had barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose is to examine the literature regarding vaccine hesitancy, its history and legal aspects.

DESIGN

An interprofessional team of a lawyer and two nurses reviewed the literature to synthesize the history of vaccine hesitancy and documented effective strategies to address disinformation, misinformation, and other barriers to vaccine uptake.

METHODS

The authors conducted a thorough review of the literature regarding vaccine hesitancy, including legal aspects.

FINDINGS

There is a scarcity of available literature regarding effective strategies, especially from the nursing perspective. Much of the literature on vaccine hesitancy dates back to the 1970's, offering few strategies to address this issue. Nursing implications and strategies to address vaccine hesitancy from a nursing perspective are provided, including an innovative example of preparing nursing students to address vaccine hesitancy through participation in a high-fidelity simulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination uptake is impacted by misinformation and disinformation. Vaccine hesitancy is impacting the uptake of other routine immunizations putting Americans at risk. Regardless of vaccination policies, health care professionals must be prepared to communicate with people who have a wide range of VH. Strategies such as providing accurate information, addressing patient concerns, and reducing barriers to access decrease VH.

Intersecting Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination: A Discourse Analysis of Information Use and Decision-Making Among Ethnically Diverse Parents in Canada

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how intersecting social privilege and disadvantage contribute to inequities in COVID-19 information use and vaccine access. This study explored how social inequities intersect to shape access to and use of COVID-19 information and vaccines among parents in Canada.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews on COVID-19 vaccination information use with ethnically diverse parents of children ages 11 to 18 years from April to August 2022. We purposefully invited parents from respondents to a national online survey to ensure representation across diverse intersecting social identities. Five researchers coded transcripts in NVivo using a discourse analysis approach informed by intersectionality. Our analysis focused on use of vaccine information and intersecting privileges and oppressions, including identifying with equity-denied group(s).

RESULTS

Interview participants (N = 48) identified as ethnically diverse non-Indigenous (n = 40) and Indigenous (n = 8) Peoples from seven Canadian provinces. Racialized minority or Indigenous participants reflected on historical and contemporary events of racism from government and medical institutions as barriers to trust and access to COVID-19 information, vaccines, and the Canadian healthcare system. Participants with privileged social locations showed greater comfort in resisting public health measures. Despite the urgency to receive COVID-19 vaccines, information gaps and transportation barriers delayed vaccination among some participants living with chronic medical conditions.

CONCLUSION

Historicization of colonialism and ongoing events of racism are a major barrier to trusting public health information. Fostering partnerships with trusted leaders and/or healthcare workers from racialized communities may help rebuild trust. Healthcare systems need to continuously implement strategies to restore trust with Indigenous and racialized populations.

Parental perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding vaccination of children aged 0-5 years: A qualitative study of hill-tribe communities, Thailand

The widespread availability and use of vaccines have tremendously reduced morbidity and deaths related to infectious diseases globally. However, in hill-tribe communities in Northern Thailand, vaccination rates remain low, and there is limited literature on parental perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccination for children under five years of age. We conducted a qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews to understand parents' perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccinations. A purposive sample was used to recruit participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 74 hill-tribe parents (14 Akha, 11 Hmong, 12 Lahu, 13 Lisu, 12 Karen, and 12 Yao) were interviewed. Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) traditional beliefs, and practices 2) traumatic experiences, 3) lack of information and effective communication, and 4) trust and support from the community. Findings highlight that it is crucial to build trust by providing knowledge, appropriate information, and advice about vaccinations in order to improve vaccine coverage in children under five years of age in the hill-tribe context.