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Perrone PM, Scarioni S, Astorri E, Marrocu C, Tiwana N, Letzgus M, Borriello C, Castaldi S. Vaccination Open Day: A Cross-Sectional Study on the 2023 Experience in Lombardy Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:685. [PMID: 38928932 PMCID: PMC11203413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is a highly effective tool for controlling infectious diseases, particularly in populations at high risk of contagion due to clinical conditions or occupational exposure, such as healthcare workers. The purpose of this study is to present the open day event that marked the beginning of the influenza and anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the Lombardy region and to describe the experience of an Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico in Milan. METHODS During the vaccination open day, eligible individuals received free vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and shingles, as provided by the Lombardy Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute. In celebration of the centenary of the Università degli Studi di Milano, the Fondazione Ca'Granda Ospedale Policlinico, a contracted hospital of the university, created a special electronic diary for a total of 150 individuals, equally divided between children aged 2-6, pregnant women, and university staff. RESULTS At the regional level, a total of 6634 influenza vaccines, 2055 anti-COVID-19 vaccines, 108 anti-pneumococcal vaccines, and 37 anti-zoster vaccines were administered. A total of 3134 (47.3%) influenza vaccines, 1151 (56%) anti-COVID-19 vaccines, and 77 (62%) anti-pneumococcal vaccines, were given to individuals aged 60-79. No differences were observed between the total number of male and female vaccinees (1017 and 1038, respectively), who received the anti-COVID-19 vaccine. At the Policlinico Foundation, out of 150 available booking slots, 154 vaccines were administered, including 117 influenza vaccines. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of vaccine open days is a beneficial way to increase vaccine compliance. Co-administration of little-known vaccinations outside of healthcare settings could also be a useful tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Mario Perrone
- Department Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (E.A.); (C.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Scarioni
- Department Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (E.A.); (C.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Elisa Astorri
- Department Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (E.A.); (C.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Chiara Marrocu
- Department Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (E.A.); (C.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Navpreet Tiwana
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Letzgus
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Catia Borriello
- Vaccination Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20131 Milan, Italy;
- Directorate General for Health, Lombardy Region, 20124 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (E.A.); (C.M.); (S.C.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.T.); (M.L.)
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Malița MA, Manolescu LSC, Perieanu VȘ, Babiuc I, Marcov EC, Ionescu C, Beuran IA, Prasacu I, Perieanu MV, Voinescu I, Radu MC, Burlibasa L, Dumitrescu AI, Burlibasa M. COVID-19 and flu vaccination in Romania, post pandemic lessons in healthcare workers and general population. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299568. [PMID: 38451954 PMCID: PMC10919663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza and corona viruses generate vaccine preventable diseases and have pandemic potential, frequently dramatic. A co-infection with these viruses, may be a new worldwide threat, researchers name it flurona. The aim of our study is to assess flu and COVID-19 Romanian vaccination for 2022-2023 season and the factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used. RESULTS 1056 responders were analyzed, mean age 32.08 ±13.36 years (limits:18-76), majority, 880 (83.33%), from urban areas, 608 (57.58%), high school graduated, 400 (37.88%) parents. More than half of the responders were healthcare workers, 582 (55.11%), also considered study population. In the study group, 796 (73.37%) responders consider flurona vaccination useful; and 872 (82.57%) responders consider that no sanctions are needed for not flurona vaccinating. In the 2022-2023 season, 162 (15.34%) responders vaccinated against the flu and 300 (28.41%) against COVID-19. The factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine was the habit of flu vaccination: for flu (OR = 58.43; 95% CI: (34.95-97.67)) and for COVID-19 (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.21-2.31)). Other factors such as having university degree (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.08-1.98)) and being a healthcare worker, (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: (1.07-1.87)) were influencing factors only for adult COVID-19 vaccination in the 2022-2023 season. In the parents' group, in 2022-2023 season, only 48 (12%) vaccinated their children against the flu and 68 (17%) against COVID-19, mostly parents that vaccinated themselves, p<0.001. In the 2022-2023 season, there were only 82 (7.65%) responders vaccinated against both diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that no factor analyzed influenced the flurona vaccinated parent's decision to vaccinate their children for flu and for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS In the season 2022-2023, in Romania, the vaccination against flu and COVOD-19 is low, in adults and children as well. More efforts must be done to increase flurona vaccination, public health educational programs are strongly needed. Children, that are at greater risk when co-infecting with these viruses, must be vaccinated, school vaccination programs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mădălina Adriana Malița
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Loredana Sabina Cornelia Manolescu
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Virology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Ștefan Perieanu
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Babiuc
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Cristina Marcov
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Ionescu
- Department of Dental Prostheses, Faculty of Dentistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Adriana Beuran
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Prasacu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mădălina Violeta Perieanu
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Voinescu
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Corina Radu
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Virology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Irina Dumitrescu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Burlibasa
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Vinci A, Furia G, Cammalleri V, Colamesta V, Chierchini P, Corrado O, Mammarella A, Ingravalle F, Bardhi D, Malerba RM, Carnevale E, Gentili S, Damiani G, De Vito C, Maurici M. Burden of delayed discharge on acute hospital medical wards: A retrospective ecological study in Rome, Italy. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294785. [PMID: 38265995 PMCID: PMC10807762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delayed discharge represents the difficulty in proceeding with discharge of patients who do not have any further benefit from prolonged stay. A quota of this problem is related to organizational issues. In the Lazio region in Italy, a macro service re-organization in on the way, with a network of hospital and territorial centers engaged in structuring in- and out- of hospital patient pathways, with a special focus on intermediate care structures. Purpose of this study is to quantify the burden of delayed discharge on a single hospital structure, in order to estimate costs and occurrence of potential resource misplacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS Observational Retrospective study conducted at the Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome, Italy. Observation period ranged from 1/09/2022, when the local database was instituted, to 1/03/2023 (6 months). Data from admissions records was anonymously collected. Data linkage with administrative local hospital database was performed in order to identify the date a discharge request was fired for each admission. Surgical discharges and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharges were excluded from this study. A Poisson hierarchical regression model was employed to investigate for the role of ward, Severity of Disease (SoD) and Risk of Mortality (RoM) on elongation of discharge time. RESULTS 1222 medical ward admissions were recorded in the timeframe. 16% of them were considered as subject to potentially elongated stay, and a mean Delay in discharge of 6.3 days (SD 7.9) was observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Delayed discharge may cause a "bottleneck" in admissions and result in overcrowded Emergency Department, overall poor performance, and increase in overall costs. A consisted proportion of available beds can get inappropriately occupied, and this inflates both direct and indirect costs. Clinical conditions on admission are not a good predictor of delay in discharge, and the root causes of this phenomenon likely lie in organizational issues (on structure\system level) and social issues (on patient's level).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vinci
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
- Doctoral School of Nursing Sciences and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Furia
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Colamesta
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Chierchini
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corrado
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Assunta Mammarella
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ingravalle
- Doctoral School of Nursing Sciences and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 6”, Albano Laziale, Italy
| | - Dorian Bardhi
- Post-Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Malerba
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Carnevale
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Gentili
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Maurici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Porreca A, Di Nicola M. Flu vaccination coverage in Italy in the COVID-19 era: A fuzzy functional k-means (FFKM) approach. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1742-1749. [PMID: 37738690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.08.025] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, flu vaccination coverage has decreased, and there are complex barriers to overcome to vaccinate against flu. Many studies have been conducted to estimate vaccination coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to disrupt immunization programs in many countries, including Italy, where vaccination against the flu is recommended but not mandatory. This paper aims to understand changes in flu vaccine uptake in Italian regions. METHODS Using functional data analysis and fuzzy functional k-means clustering, we investigated changes in flu vaccine coverage in Italian regions before (2010-2019) and after (2020-2022) the COVID-19 vaccination period. RESULTS The period of COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in vaccine coverage globally. Elbow's method determined that the optimal number of clusters in vaccination uptake is 2. Apulia, Basilicata, Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Molise, Tuscany, and Umbria in 2019 belong less to the group with low flu vaccination uptake (G1) but increase their tendency to belong to this group over time: they decrease their propensity to be vaccinated for flu. For others, it seems that COVID-19 served as a push to increase flu vaccination coverage rates. Sicily appears to be the region that has responded best to the pandemic, changing its membership value from 2019 to 2022. CONCLUSION The present study highlights that the COVID-19 era has resulted in a higher flu vaccination coverage rate. Moreover, the regional level's improvement or worsening in flu vaccination coverage rate is not affected by the historical gap and socio-cultural and economic differences prevailing among Italian regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Porreca
- Department Of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Department Of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Chieti, Italy
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Prada-García C, Toquero-Asensio M, Fernández-Espinilla V, Hernán-García C, Sanz-Muñoz I, Calvo-Nieves MD, Eiros JM, Castrodeza-Sanz J. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Attitudes and Actions in Spain's Adult Population. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1514. [PMID: 37896918 PMCID: PMC10611015 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus which constitutes a significant public health issue associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding influenza vaccination in the Spanish adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their vaccination intentions, with special attention paid to those over 65 years old and in high-risk groups. To this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted through 2219 telephone interviews, and the results were compared with results obtained a year earlier. Regarding the reasons for deciding to get vaccinated in the 2022/23 season, a significant increase was observed in vaccine confidence (36.7% vs. 42.8%), social responsibility (32.5% vs. 43.8%), and in awareness of the importance of vaccination due to COVID-19 (21.7% vs. 25.4%). Advanced age (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-3.9), belonging to high-risk groups (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.7), and prior vaccination (OR 25.3, 95% CI 19.5-32.7) emerged as significant predictors for the intent to receive the influenza vaccine in the 2022/23 season. Continuously observing shifts in perceptions and behaviors related to influenza immunization is crucial to pinpoint factors that may influence the willingness to receive the vaccine and, in this way, design public health strategies that achieve a greater acceptance of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camino Prada-García
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (V.F.-E.); (C.H.-G.); (J.C.-S.)
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Dermatology Service, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, 24008 León, Spain
| | - Marina Toquero-Asensio
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Virginia Fernández-Espinilla
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (V.F.-E.); (C.H.-G.); (J.C.-S.)
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernán-García
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (V.F.-E.); (C.H.-G.); (J.C.-S.)
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Iván Sanz-Muñoz
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León, ICSCYL, 24002 Soria, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFECC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Calvo-Nieves
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Jose M. Eiros
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Microbiology Service, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Castrodeza-Sanz
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (V.F.-E.); (C.H.-G.); (J.C.-S.)
- National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47009 Valladolid, Spain; (M.T.-A.); (I.S.-M.); (J.M.E.)
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
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Garza N, Leibensperger M, Bonnevie E. The Association Between Receiving the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines and Related Factors, Data from the StopFlu Campaign in Eight States and the District of Columbia, 2022. J Community Health 2023; 48:731-739. [PMID: 37002473 PMCID: PMC10066005 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of vaccines, it is imperative to understand the relationships between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Data were obtained from a survey as part of an evaluation of the StopFlu Kaiser Permanente media campaign, promoting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines in communities of color across eight states and the District of Columbia. The outcome considered was receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The exposure considered was receiving the flu vaccine. Covariates included demographic factors, and sources of trusted health information. Overall, 4,185 participants had complete data and were included the analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between receiving the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants, 77.8% reported receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and 55.4% received the flu vaccine. After adjusting for demographics and sources of trusted health information, participants reporting receiving the flu vaccine had 5.18 times the odds of also receiving the COVID-19 vaccine [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 5.18 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.24-6.32]. Trusting advice from a doctor and healthcare organization also had increased odds of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. (AOR: 1.84 95%CI: 1.45-2.33, AOR: 2.08 95%CI: 1.64-2.63). This study demonstrates that promotion of one vaccine may influence uptake of other vaccines, which is important given the highly politicized nature of the COVID-19 vaccine. Further research could provide more insight into how promotion of a vaccine could impact behavior with regards to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Garza
- The Public Good Projects, 2308 Mount Vernon Ave, Ste 758, Alexandria, VA, 22301, USA.
| | - Megan Leibensperger
- The Public Good Projects, 2308 Mount Vernon Ave, Ste 758, Alexandria, VA, 22301, USA
| | - Erika Bonnevie
- The Public Good Projects, 2308 Mount Vernon Ave, Ste 758, Alexandria, VA, 22301, USA
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Alsuwailem SI, Okmi EA, Alkhaldi EH, Almutairi KS, Alshamari WK. Determinants of Flu Vaccine Uptake Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Study Based on the Health Belief Model. Cureus 2023; 15:e41277. [PMID: 37533606 PMCID: PMC10392738 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Recently, influenza has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Vaccination against the flu is widely recognized as a crucial preventive measure to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. However, the uptake of flu vaccines among the general population in Saudi Arabia still remains low. In light of this, this study aimed to examine the determinants of influenza vaccine uptake in Saudi Arabia by using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults living in all regions of Saudi Arabia by using an online self-administered questionnaire based on the HBM. The questionnaire inquired about demographics, knowledge about influenza, knowledge about vaccines, and beliefs/barriers. It was distributed via social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram. IBM SPSS Statistics software version 29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for statistical analyses, and both the Chi-square test and logic regression analyses were applied to determine associations between explanatory and response variables, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results This study enrolled a total of 1040 participants, and the majority were Saudi nationals (96.9%). Of note, 66.2% of the participants were males, and the rest were females. Most of the participants were employed by governmental institutions (42.0%), had bachelor's degrees (58.4%), had never worked in the health sector (70.2%), and earned above 10,000 Saudi riyals per month (62.1%). Over half (55.7%) of participants had taken the flu vaccine at the time of this study. Working in the healthcare sector was associated with increased flu vaccine uptake [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.84, p<0.001]. The likelihood of getting the flu vaccines was greater among men (aOR: 1.38, p=0.027), and obesity was associated with lower flu vaccine uptake (aOR: 0.29, p=0.034). Having contact with people with flu, having had flu in the past, and experiencing severe flu complications (aOR: 4.71, p=0.029; aOR: 0.13, p=0.006; and aOR: 0.29, p=0.033, respectively) were significantly associated with the flu vaccine uptake among our study participants. Perceived potential risks of the flu vaccine were also associated with taking the flu vaccine (aOR: 0.213, p=0.042). There was a significant association between seeing an advertisement for the flu vaccine and the likelihood of taking the vaccine (aOR: 5.488, p=0.042). Conclusion This study found that certain sociodemographic factors are associated with flu vaccine uptake. These factors included contact with flu-infected individuals, past experiences with flu, perceived risks, and exposure to flu vaccine advertisements. Improving healthcare accessibility, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing workplace initiatives are recommended to address the issues related to flu vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ezzuddin A Okmi
- Respiratory Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, Saudi Public Health Authority, Riyadh, SAU
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Pourrazavi S, Fathifar Z, Sharma M, Allahverdipour H. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A Systematic review of cognitive determinants. Health Promot Perspect 2023; 13:21-35. [PMID: 37309435 PMCID: PMC10257562 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2023.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although mass vaccination is considered one of the most effective public health strategies during the pandemic, in the COVID-19 era, many people considered vaccines unnecessary and, or doubted the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. This review aimed to tabulate cognitive causes of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, which may help public health policymakers overcome the barriers to mass vaccinations in future pandemics. Methods: For this systematic review, studies pertaining to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy published up to June 2022 were retrieved from six online databases (Cochrane Library, Google Scholar Medline through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Inclusion criteria were the studies conducted on people who had a delay in accepting or refusing COVID-19 vaccines, reported the impact of cognitive determinants on vaccine hesitancy, and were written in English in the timeframe of 2020-2022. Results: This systematic review initially reviewed 1171 records. From these 91 articles met the inclusion criteria. The vaccination hesitation rate was 29.72% on average. This systematic review identified several cognitive determinants influencing vaccination hesitancy. Lack of confidence and complacency were the most frequent factors that predicted vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: The identified prevailing cognitive determinants for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy indicated that using initiative and effective communication strategies would be a determinant factor in building people's trust in vaccines during the pandemic and mass vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pourrazavi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Health Education & Promotion Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Fathifar
- Department of Library, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Health Education & Promotion Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Acceptance or rejection of vaccination against influenza and SARS-CoV2 viruses among primary care professionals in Central Catalonia. A cross-sectional study. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100290. [PMID: 37008959 PMCID: PMC10040087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100290] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the uncertainty about the real impact of coinfection with other viruses, and the increased risk of mortality in the case of coinfection with the influenza virus, health authorities recommended an increase in influenza vaccination coverage among at-risk groups to minimize the possible impact on individuals and the healthcare system. Recommendations for influenza vaccination during the 2020-2021 campaign in Catalonia were focused on increasing vaccination coverage, especially for social and healthcare workers, elderly people and at-risk individuals of any age. The objectives for the 2020-2021 season in Catalonia were to reach 75% for the elderly and for social and healthcare workers, and 60% for pregnant women and at-risk groups. In the case of healthcare professionals and those over 65 years of age, the target was not met. Vaccination coverage reached 65.58% and 66.44%, respectively (in the 2019-2020 campaign it was 39.08%). Analysing and following up on the background and context in which health professionals accept influenza vaccination will help develop strategies for long-term influenza vaccination campaigns. The present study looks at healthcare professionals in a specific territory where the reasons for acceptance or refusal of the influenza vaccine during the 2021-2022 vaccination campaign, as well as the reasons for acceptance or refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine, were analysed by means of an online survey. Methods Calculations suggested that a random sample of 290 individuals would be sufficient to estimate, with 95% confidence and a precision of +/- 5 percentage units, a population percentage that was expected to be around 30%. The required replacement rate was 10%. The R statistical software (version 3.6.3) was used for the statistical analysis. Confidence intervals were 95% and contrasts with a p-value of <0.05 were considered significant. Findings Of the 1921 professionals to whom the survey was sent, 586 (30.5%) responded to all the questions. 95.2% of respondents were vaccinated against COVID-19 and 66.2% against influenza. It was observed that the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and the decision to get vaccinated was different for influenza and COVID-19. The reasons for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine with the highest percentage were firstly protecting family (82.2%), self-protection (74.9%) and also protecting patients (57.8%). On the other hand, other reasons not described in the survey (50%) and mistrust (42.3%) were the reasons for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine. With respect to influenza, the most relevant reasons for which professionals got vaccinated were self-protection (70.7%), protecting family (69.7%) and protecting patients (58.4%). Reasons for refusing the influenza vaccine were reasons not mentioned in the survey (29.1%) and the low probability of suffering complications (27.4%). Interpretation Analysing the context, territory, sector, and the reasons for both accepting and refusing a vaccine will help develop effective strategies. Although vaccination coverage against COVID-19 was very high throughout Spain, a marked increase in influenza vaccination in the context of COVID-19 was observed among healthcare professionals in the Central Catalonia region compared to the previous pre-pandemic campaign.
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Ferrara M, Bertozzi G, Volonnino G, Di Fazio A, Di Fazio N, Arcangeli M, La Russa R, Frati P. Learning from the Past to Improve the Future—Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants in the Italian Population: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030630. [PMID: 36992216 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
WHO identifies vaccine hesitancy (VH) as one of the ten threats to global health. The authors bring to the international scientific community an Italian episode that offers the opportunity to renew the discussion on the extent of the VH matter. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the factors determining vaccine hesitancy in the Italian population, to understand its roots, and suggest potential strategies to mitigate it. A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, using the following strategy: (COVID-19 vaccines) AND (vaccination hesitancy) AND (Italy). After the selection process, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. The most frequently detected factors associated with VH in the Italian population can be grouped as vaccine-related factors, socio-cultural factors, and demographic factors. Currently, we are facing a gap between the population and science, governments, and institutions. To heal this breach, it is necessary to strengthen the trust of the population through the implementation of health communication and public education strategies, while scientific literacy must continue to support families and individuals in discerning evidence from opinions to recognize the real risks and balance them with the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ferrara
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Volonnino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Fazio
- Regional Complex Intercompany Institute of Legal Medicine, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Arcangeli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environment Science, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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Understanding the Barriers and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Adult General Population: A Rapid Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010180. [PMID: 36680024 PMCID: PMC9861815 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a common respiratory infection associated with a substantial clinical, humanistic, and economic burden globally. Vaccines are essential to prevent and control influenza and are recommended by public-health agencies, such as the WHO and US CDC; however, vaccination rates vary considerably across the globe. This review aimed to investigate the perceived barriers and attitudes to influenza vaccination in the global population, in order to identify strategies that may improve influenza vaccination coverage. A structured literature search was undertaken to identify studies that reported on patient-reported attitudes towards influenza vaccination, focused on the adult general population in 16 prespecified countries. Eighty studies were included in this review. Negative attitude towards healthcare were found to be the most agreed upon barrier to vaccine uptake (31.1% agreement). The most agreed promoter of influenza vaccination was trust in healthcare services (62.0% agreement). Approximately 50% of participants intended to receive the influenza vaccine in the following season. To improve influenza vaccination coverage, healthcare workers must strengthen the foundation of substantial trust in healthcare services and provide educational materials that improve influenza vaccination knowledge among the adult general population.
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12
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Fithian EM, Warren C, Pappalardo AA, Thivalapill N, Long JR, Bilaver LA, Asa'ad A, Mahdavinia M, Sharma H, Gupta R. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in pediatric food allergy. JOURNAL OF FOOD ALLERGY 2022; 4:172-180. [PMID: 37502300 PMCID: PMC10373577 DOI: 10.2500/jfa.2022.4.220034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Current COVID-19 and influenza vaccination-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors remain poorly understood among US children with food allergy-and particularly those from non-Hispanic Black, Latinx, and lower income backgrounds who bear a disproportionate burden by allergic disease. These data are especially relevant due to historical vaccine hesitancy in children with food allergy and an initial contraindication for those with severe allergic reactions to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Objective We sought to characterize COVID-19 and influenza vaccination-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse longitudinal cohort of caregiver-child dyads with IgE-mediated food allergy. Methods We leveraged the NIH-supported FORWARD cohort, consisting of non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic/Latinx children diagnosed with food allergy to assess COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and influenza vaccine concern and utilization through administering a one-time IRB-approved survey. Results Non-Hispanic Black participants were less likely than Non-Hispanic White participants to be vaccinated (OR=0.25, 95%CI:0.08-0.75) or tested (OR=0.33, 95%CI:0.13-0.85) for COVID-19 and have the intention to vaccinate their children for influenza (OR=0.42; 0.18-0.98). Over one third of participants reported that they believe their child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19 vaccination due to food allergy. There were racial/ethnic disparities in the belief that COVID vaccines contain allergenic ingredients such that more Hispanic/Latinx (37%) and Black (37%) participants than White (22%) participants reported this belief (p=.02). Conclusion The present findings of disparities in vaccination-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors across racial/ethnic, and household income strata suggest that initial reports of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy within the population with food allergy may be further exacerbated by well-documented, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences in vaccine hesitancy, potentially leading to a greater infectious disease burden in these vulnerable populations. This highlights a need for targeted education and outreach among members of these communities who are living with food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirene M Fithian
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
| | - Christopher Warren
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research
| | | | - Neil Thivalapill
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
| | - Jennifer R Long
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
| | - Lucy A Bilaver
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research
| | - Amal Asa'ad
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Cincinnati Department of Pediatrics
| | - Mahboobeh Mahdavinia
- Rush University, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology
| | - Hemant Sharma
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research; Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
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13
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Wang J, Guo C, Lin T. Public Risk Perception Attribution Model and Governance Path in COVID-19: A Perspective Based on Risk Information. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:2097-2113. [PMID: 36386558 PMCID: PMC9653047 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s379426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk perception is a key factor influencing the public’s behavioral response to major public health events. The research on public risk perception promotes the emergency management system to adapt to the needs of modern development. This article is based on a risk information perspective, using the COVID-19 event as an example. From the micro and macro perspectives, the influencing factors of public risk perception in major public health events in China are extracted, and the attribution model and index system of public risk perception are established. Methods In this paper, the five-level Likert scale is used to collect and measure the risk perception variable questionnaire through the combination of online and offline methods (a total of 550 questionnaires, the overall Alpha coefficient of the questionnaire is 0.955, and the KMO test coefficient t=0.941), and through independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and other methods to draw relevant conclusions. Results The results showed that gender and age were significantly associated with risk perception (p<0.005), and education level was significantly negatively associated with risk perception (p <0 0.005). Risk information attention and risk perception were significantly positively correlated (p<0.005), media credibility was significantly positively correlated with risk perception (p<0.005), while risk information identification and media exposure had no significant interaction with risk perception (p=0.125, p=0.352). Conclusion Factors such as gender, age, education level, place of residence, media exposure, media credibility, risk information attention, and recognition lead to different levels of risk perception. This conclusion helps to provide a basis for relevant departments to conduct public risk management of major public health events based on differences in risk perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jing Wang, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Chuqing Guo
- School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Lin
- School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People’s Republic of China
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Reactogenicity and Humoral Immune Response after Heterologous Vaxzevria/Comirnaty Vaccination in a Group of Individuals Vaccinated in the AOU Policlinic "G. Martino" (Messina, Italy): A Retrospective Cohort Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111803. [PMID: 36366314 PMCID: PMC9697593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111803] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
On 11 June 2021, the Italian Ministry of Health authorized the heterologous vaccination schedule. The goals of our retrospective study were to (a) evaluate the undesirable effects after the administration of Vaxzevria and Comirnaty vaccines; (b) evaluate the antibody response after 28 days from the administration of the second dose; and (c) compare the antibody responses after the homologous and heterologous vaccination regimens. The undesirable effects were collected using a survey; IgG Spike was quantified using the electrochemiluminescence method; the comparison between the antibody responses was carried out using the sample of a homologous vaccine schedule previously analyzed. Pain at the injection site is the most common undesirable effect after the administration of both vaccines (62.1% after Vaxzevria vs. 82.75% after Comirnaty); swelling at the injection site is more frequent after the administration of Vaxzevria than after the administration of Comirnaty: (15.52% vs. 5.17%); headache is more frequent in women than in men for both the vaccination types (p < 0.05); 49.09% of the sample reported IgG Spike ≥ 12,500 U/mL; the antibody titer of the heterologous schedule is higher than that of the homologous vaccination. Our study demonstrated that the undesirable effects after the administration of the second dose are less frequent and less severe than after the administration of the first dose, and that the immunogenicity of the heterologous vaccinations is higher than that of the homologous ones.
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Colaprico C, Ricci E, Bongiovanni A, Imeshtari V, Barletta VI, Manai MV, Shaholli D, Marte M, Serruto P, La Torre G. Flu Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals in Times of COVID-19: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081341. [PMID: 36016229 PMCID: PMC9414714 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The seasonal flu vaccine is the most important way to prevent influenza epidemics, so it is useful to increase the awareness of health professionals. The aim of our study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about flu vaccination among healthcare professionals in times of COVID-19. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between November 2020 and April 2021. Participants were recruited in teaching hospital ‘Policlinico Umberto I’ of Rome. A survey of 24 questions about flu vaccination was administered, evaluating their knowledge, attitude, and practice about this topic. Results: 872 healthcare professionals were involved in the study (36.9% men, 63.1% women). More than 90% of the HCWs, especially physicians, recognize the importance of getting influenza vaccination: The main reasons for not getting vaccinated were fear of vaccine side effects (20.3%) and fear of the needle (6.4%). Nevertheless, 40.7% of the healthcare providers consider mandatory vaccination as unethical, especially if they work in low-intensity wards. Conclusion: a high percentage of healthcare workers agree with the importance of influenza vaccination and only a small percentage is still opposed. It is therefore important to continue to promote the influenza vaccination through communication and health education programs.
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Knowledge and Behaviours towards Immunisation Programmes: Vaccine Hesitancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074359. [PMID: 35410045 PMCID: PMC8999062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Assessing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination is a key strategy when implementing national and international immunisation programmes aimed at improving compliance among the population and thereby increasing vaccination coverage. While vaccination's role as a powerful life-saving weapon in the fight against infectious diseases has been further highlighted following the introduction of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, there is still a discrepancy between the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vaccines and the perception of the risk attributed to them. Known as "Vaccine Hesitancy" (VH), this phenomenon is the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, despite the availability of services. VH can be found in at least 15% of the worldwide population, and even professional groups tasked with promoting vaccination as a primary prevention measure, e.g., healthcare workers (HCWs), sometimes have doubts regarding vaccination. Since 2014, this Public Health problem has been increasing in 90% of countries worldwide, to the extent that in 2019 it was listed as one of the ten greatest threats to global health by the World Health Organization (WHO). VH has also affected COVID-19 vaccination, hampering the achievement of desired vaccination coverage. Monitoring this trend by studying people's behaviour and attitudes could be a useful tool to aid Public Health, in orienting vaccination policies and designing new health education and continuous training interventions, aimed at both the general public and accountable cohorts, such as HCWs.
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