Determinants of Vaccination Uptake in Risk Populations: A Comprehensive Literature Review

On the fence: Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among sexually Minoritized men who use substances in the United States

Objective

Substance use during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has exponentially increased among sexually minoritized men (SMM), who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission, morbidity, and mortality than their heterosexual counterparts. Understanding the factors that mediate and are associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a national sample of SMM that use substances may inform targeted interventions to maximize public acceptance.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from a national sample of 2753 SMM in the United States between May 2021-July 2022. We performed a mediation analysis using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method, and factors associated with the likelihood of vaccine uptake were modeled using logistic regression, adjusting for time and age.

Results

The median age of the overall sample was 38.9 years old and mainly comprised of White (n = 511; 57 %), HIV-negative (n = 407; 52 %) SMM who used stimulants (n = 724; 92 %). Compared to their counterparts who abstained from drugs in the past three months, SMM who used methamphetamine (aOR: 0.32, CI: 0.24-0.43) or opioids (aOR: 0.52 CI: 0.40-0.67) had significantly lower odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who used cocaine in the past 3 months (aOR: 1.44 CI: 1.20-1.73) had significantly greater odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine than those who did not. Vaccine hesitancy partially meditated the direct effects of methamphetamine use on vaccine uptake (OR = 0.40; CI: 0.26-0.61]).

Conclusion

The lower vaccination rates among those with a negative HIV status and those who use methamphetamine and opioids warrant attention to inform future vaccination efforts.

Vaccination coverage and its determinants in patients with multiple sclerosis-a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Complete vaccination coverage is recommended by multiple sclerosis (MS) societies for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) to mitigate infection risks associated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Objectives

To analyze vaccination coverage and its determinants in pwMS compared to healthy controls, considering vaccination hesitancy, MS-specific vaccination beliefs, trust in information sources, and the role of general practitioners (GPs).

Methods

This cross-sectional multicenter observational study was conducted in six German MS centers. The primary endpoint was a vaccination index (VI) comprising eight standard vaccinations (range 0-1, with higher VI indicating better vaccination coverage). Secondary endpoints included validated measures of general vaccination hesitancy, MS-specific vaccination beliefs, and trust in information sources. Data were collected through questionnaires, vaccination card analysis, and a survey of GPs who vaccinate pwMS.

Results

VI tended to be lower in pwMS (n = 397) compared to healthy controls (n = 300; 0.58 ± 0.30 vs 0.62 ± 0.31, p = 0.057). In pwMS receiving highly effective DMTs, VI did not differ significantly from those on no/platform DMTs. Vaccination hesitancy was comparably low, with no differences between pwMS and controls. Vaccination hesitancy, beliefs, and trust in information sources explained only 10%-16% of the variance in VI. Among 109 GPs, 82% cited reluctance to vaccinate pwMS due to concerns about MS-related side effects or interactions with DMTs.

Conclusion

Despite clear recommendations from MS societies for full vaccination of all pwMS, vaccination coverage remains worryingly low. Approximately half of the patients lack standard vaccination coverage, even those on highly effective DMTs. In fact, vaccination coverage in pwMS tended to be even lower than in healthy controls. Vaccination hesitancy and other intrinsic factors do not sufficiently explain the low vaccination rates. Inconsistent vaccination recommendations from GPs due to uncertainties about vaccine safety and DMT interactions likely contribute.

The Impact of Vaccination on COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Vaccination represents a core preventive strategy for public health, with interrelated and multifaceted effects across health and socioeconomic domains. Beyond immediate disease prevention, immunization positively influences downstream health outcomes by mitigating complications of preexisting comorbidities and promoting healthy aging. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common respiratory viruses responsible for broad societal cost and substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly among at-risk individuals, including older adults and people with frailty or certain comorbid conditions. In this narrative review, we summarize the overall impact of vaccination for these 3 viruses, focusing on mRNA vaccines, each of which exhibits unique patterns of infection, risk, and transmission dynamics, but collectively represent a target for preventive strategies. Vaccines for COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) and influenza are effective against the most severe outcomes, such as hospitalization and death; these vaccines represent the most potent and cost-effective interventions for the protection of population and individual health against COVID-19 and influenza, particularly for older adults and those with comorbid conditions. Based on promising results of efficacy for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease, the first RSV vaccines were approved in 2023. Immunization strategies should account for various factors leading to poor uptake, including vaccine hesitancy, socioeconomic barriers to access, cultural beliefs, and lack of knowledge of vaccines and disease states. Coadministration of vaccines and combination vaccines, such as multicomponent mRNA vaccines, offer potential advantages in logistics and delivery, thus improving uptake and reducing barriers to adoption of new vaccines. The success of the mRNA vaccine platform was powerfully demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic; these and other new approaches show promise as a means to overcome existing challenges in vaccine development and to sustain protection against viral changes over time.A graphical abstract and video abstract is available with this article.

Policy brief: Improving national vaccination decision-making through data

Life course immunisation looks at the broad value of vaccination across multiple generations, calling for more data power, collaboration, and multi-disciplinary work. Rapid strides in artificial intelligence, such as machine learning and natural language processing, can enhance data analysis, conceptual modelling, and real-time surveillance. The GRADE process is a valuable tool in informing public health decisions. It must be enhanced by real-world data which can span and capture immediate needs in diverse populations and vaccination administration scenarios. Analysis of data from multiple study designs is required to understand the nuances of health behaviors and interventions, address gaps, and mitigate the risk of bias or confounding presented by any single data collection methodology. Secure and responsible health data sharing across European countries can contribute to a deeper understanding of vaccines.

Vaccination Coverage for Medically Indicated Vaccines in a Convenience Sample of Severely Immunocompromised Patients with COVID-19: An Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the number of immunocompromised patients (ICPs) has increased significantly. ICPs have an impaired immune system, making them susceptible to complicated infections. To protect them from infections, ICPs are eligible to receive several medically indicated vaccines. To obtain insight into the uptake of these medically indicated vaccines, we determined the coverage of these vaccines in ICPs.

METHODS

This observational cohort study was conducted at the University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands, from September 2021 to April 2022. All adult ICPs admitted for COVID-19 were asked to complete a questionnaire on their vaccination history (pneumococcal, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus vaccination, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines) and history of vaccine-preventable infections. In addition, patients' vaccination history was reviewed in medical files.

RESULTS

A total of 115 patients completed the questionnaire and were included. Although all patients had an indication for pneumococcal vaccination, only 22 received it (19%). Coverage for herpes zoster was low (1%, 1/106 eligible patients). Coverage for human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV) was also low (40%, two out of five eligible patients). In contrast, 92% of patients received vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, and 77% of patients received seasonal influenza vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Although coverage for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination was high in ICPs, coverage for other medically indicated vaccines was low. Identifying which factors contributed to high COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake can help to improve vaccination rates for the other recommended vaccines. Clear guidelines for clinicians and the removal of organizational obstacles are needed to improve vaccination coverage.

An ecological analysis of socio-economic determinants associated with paediatric vaccination coverage in the Campania Region: A population-based study, years 2003-2017

Introduction

Vaccines are the most cost-effective and straightforward intervention against severe infectious diseases. However, in Europe and in Italy, paediatric vaccination coverage for certain vaccines remains suboptimal, with considerable regional differences in Italy. Vaccine coverage varies significantly due to socio-economic and organisational factors. Aim of this study was to assess the influence of the Deprivation Index, the density of General Practitioners and General Paediatricians per inhabitants on the coverage of both mandatory and non-mandatory paediatric vaccinations across local health authorities and health districts in the Campania Region for birth cohorts from 2001 to 2015.

Materials and methods

Population-based, ecological time series analysis focusing on the Campania Region, most populous region in the south of Italy. Vaccination coverage data were extracted from the regional immunization database, whilst information on the Deprivation Index and number of primary care doctors and primary care paediatricians per local health district were extracted from public health records. Univariate descriptive statistics were employed to describe study characteristics, as appropriate, whilst and mixed-effect linear regression models were employed to assess the associations between variables of interest and vaccination coverage.

Results

Overall vaccination coverage has generally increased, except for the MMR vaccine, which showed coverage fluctuations. An increase in the Deprivation Index, indicative of less favourable socio-economic conditions, was associated with decreased vaccination coverage in the 24-month age group for some mandatory vaccines (DTaP: Coef -0.97, 95% CI -1.77 | -0.17; Poliomyelitis: Coef -0.98, 95% CI -1.78 | -0.17; Hepatitis B: Coef -0.90, 95% CI -1.71 | -0.10). Moreover, areas with a greater density of General Paediatricians per inhabitants saw increased coverage for Haemophilus influenzae type b in the 6-year age group (Coef 9.78, 95% CI 1.00 | 18.56).

Conclusions

It is necessary to target public health policies to address vaccination inequalities. These efforts should include expanding vaccination campaigns, enhancing catch-up programs, and increase resource allocation in primary care settings to facilitate the role of General Practitioners and Paediatricians in fostering awareness and adherence.

Promoting informed decision making about maternal pertussis vaccination: the systematic development of an online tailored decision aid and a centering-based group antenatal care intervention

Introduction

Maintaining and enhancing vaccine confidence continues to be a challenge. Making an informed decision not only helps to avoid potential future regret but also reduces susceptibility to misinformation. There is an urgent need for interventions that facilitate informed decision-making about vaccines. This paper describes the systematic development of two interventions designed to promote informed decision making and indirectly, acceptance of maternal pertussis vaccination (MPV) in the Netherlands.

Materials and methods

The 6-step Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol was used for the development of an online tailored decision aid and Centering Pregnancy-based Group Antenatal Care (CP) intervention. A needs assessment was done using empirical literature and conducting a survey and focus groups (1), intervention objectives were formulated at the behavior and determinants levels (2), theoretical methods of behavior change were selected and translated into practical applications (3), which were further developed into the two interventions using user-centered design (4). Finally, plans were developed for implementation (5), and evaluation (6) of the interventions.

Results

The needs assessment showed that pregnant women often based their decision about MPV on information sourced online and conversations with their partners, obstetric care providers, and peers. Responding to these findings, we systematically developed two interactive, theory-based interventions. We created an online tailored decision aid, subjecting it to four iterations of testing among pregnant women, including those with low literacy levels. Participants evaluated prototypes of the intervention positively on relevance and usability. In addition, a CP intervention was developed with midwives.

Conclusion

Using IM resulted in the creation of an online decision aid and CP intervention to promote informed decision making regarding MPV. This description of the systematic development of the interventions not only serves to illustrate design rationales, it will also aid the interpretation of the evaluation of the interventions, the development of future interventions promoting informed decision and acceptance of vaccines, and comparisons with other interventions.

Access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in immigrants in Italy, by geographical area of origin

OBJECTIVE

Immigrants are commonly considered disadvantaged and at high risk of not receiving appropriate care, including vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in immigrants, by geographical area of origin, compared with Italian citizens. We also evaluated sex differences in vaccine's coverage by geographical area of origin.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study in four Italian regions, including all resident subjects aged 5-69 years, and undergoing first dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the period 28th December 2020- 3rd April 2022. We estimated cumulative coverage percentages, by age class and geographical area. To compare first-dose vaccine coverage by geographical area of origin, we estimated, through a Poisson analysis, Vaccine Coverage Ratios (VCR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI), adjusting for age and sex.

RESULTS

We included 16,294,785 Italian citizens and 2,534,351 immigrants aged 5-69 years and resident in the four regions considered. Regarding the geographical area of origin, 40.7 % of immigrants came from Eastern Europe, 13.5 % from North Africa and 13.1 % from Western Asia. A great variability in the first dose vaccine coverage emerged. We documented substantial heterogeneity in the first-dose vaccine coverage within immigrant's population, expressed with Italy as a reference, ranging from 0,768 (95 %CI: 0,766-0,769) in Eastern Europe countries to 1,013 (95 %CI: 1,009 - 1,018) in Eastern Asia. The chance of being vaccinated was found higher in males compared with females for African countries (VCR 1.07, 95 %CI 1.06-1.08) and Western Asian countries (VCR 1.08, 95 %CI 1.07-1.09).

CONCLUSION

We observed substantial heterogeneity in first-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination coverage in immigrants, suggesting a different propensity to vaccines according to the geographical area of origin. These data can help define appropriate and tailored strategies in order to improve vaccine coverage in some specific immigrant groups at the local health district level.

Perspectives and experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in people with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease

OBJECTIVE

People with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD) are at an increased risk of morbidity from COVID-19. While COVID-19 vaccination is effective at reducing disease complications, there have been significant levels of vaccine hesitancy in people with AIIRD. We aimed to understand vaccine hesitancy and promote shared decision-making by describing the experiences and perspectives of people with AIIRD who had concerns with COVID-19 vaccinations.

METHODS

Adults with AIIRD on immunosuppressive medications who expressed concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination were purposively sampled until thematic saturation. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Sixteen adults with an AIIRD were interviewed. Thematic analysis yielded four themes: heightened sense of vulnerability; determining individual suitability; desperate for freedom and relief; deterred by scepticism.

CONCLUSIONS

The perspectives of people with AIIRD towards the COVID-19 vaccination were shaped by a sense of vulnerability. The decision-making experience was challenging, resulting from struggles with handling information, dealing with external pressures, and facing negativity.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

A collaborative approach, involving close family and friends and avoiding negativity and pressure can improve engagement and support decision-making around COVID-19 vaccination. Clearly addressing potential risks of vaccination may prevent subsequent regret and hesitancy if they arise.

Rollout of the 2022/2023 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination and Correlates of the Use of Enhanced Vaccines among Italian Adults

In Italy, several types of seasonal influenza vaccines (SIVs) are available for older adults, but for the 2022/2023 season there were no guidelines on their specific use. This cross-sectional study assessed the frequency and determinants of the use of enhanced (adjuvanted and high-dose) SIVs in Italian older adults, as compared to standard-dose non-adjuvanted formulations. Of 1702 vaccines administered to a representative outpatient sample of adults aged ≥ 60 years and residing in Genoa, 69.5% were enhanced SIVs. Older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for each 1-year increase 1.10; p < 0.001), and the presence of cardiovascular disease (aOR 1.40; p = 0.011) and diabetes (aOR 1.62; p = 0.005) were associated with the use of enhanced vaccines. Compared with the adjuvanted SIV, subjects immunized with the high-dose vaccine were older (aOR for each 1-year increase 1.05; p < 0.001) and had higher prevalence of respiratory diseases (aOR 1.85; p = 0.052). Moreover, usage of the enhanced SIVs was driven by the period of immunization campaign, place of vaccination and physician. Despite their superior immunogenicity and effectiveness, the adoption of enhanced SIVs in Italy is suboptimal, and should be increased. Enhanced formulations are mostly used in the oldest, and in subjects with some co-morbidities.

[Validation of the questionnaire on vaccines and hesitancy to be vaccinated in the Spanish Society of Epidemiology]

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a survey aimed at epidemiologists to measure factors associated with vaccine reluctance.

METHOD

Vaccination hesitancy refers to delayed acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services. WHO included vaccination hesitancy among the 10 global health threats in 2019. Within this conceptual framework proposed by WHO, a committee of six experts from the Spanish Society of Epidemiology (SEE) designed a self-administered questionnaire to study factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in epidemiologists. This questionnaire was approved by the SEE Board, and was sent online to all members in 2019. Based on the responses obtained, the following characteristics were validated: face validity, internal validity, construct validity, criterion validity, reliability, as well as the characteristic curves of each item and the information function per item and overall.

RESULTS

The final questionnaire showed two well-defined components, perception of vaccines and confidence in the transparency of vaccine data with high degrees of fit in all aspects of validation. Both components have shown that the higher the reluctance to vaccinate the better the questionnaire reports on these aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

The study has allowed the development of a validated instrument in Spanish to measure the factors associated with vaccine reluctance among epidemiologists.

The Role of Adult Vaccines as Part of Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths annually. Although immunisation has been shown to significantly reduce AMR, the role of vaccines as part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices is often overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and examine the available literature on the role of vaccines as part of AMS practices.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, CCRCT, IPA, and WoS, along with grey literature sources. The review was conducted using the JBI Methodology for Scoping Reviews and reported in line with the PRISMA-SCr checklist.

RESULTS

Among the 1711 records identified, 34 met the inclusion criteria; 8 discussed only the concept, while 26 discussed both the concept and the vaccine implementation method in AMS practices. There were eight recommended and/or utilised types of AMS activities identified involving vaccines, under four key themes of vaccine-related AMS strategies: Education, Screening, Vaccination, and Monitoring. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines had the most evidence for inclusion.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the evidence supports the role of vaccines as part of AMS practices and the value of their inclusion in creating improved and comprehensive AMS strategies to further combat the development of AMR.

Effects of COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination on Rheumatic Diseases: Results From a Survey of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Vaccination

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and disease flares after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

METHODS

Between November 2021 and March 2022, a survey was conducted among patients with ARD who received COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. The questionnaire included 11 mandatory and closed-ended questions, and the following items were collected: medical history, immunization history, type of vaccine, patient-reported AEs, flare-up of the underlying disease after vaccination, and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or influenza. We compared the occurrence of vaccine-related adverse reactions to the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines based on the survey results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting AEs or disease flares and to compare the post-vaccine response to mixed and matched vaccines.

RESULTS

We analyzed 601 adults with ARD who received the COVID-19 vaccine, with a mean age of 49.6 years (80.5% female). A total of 255 participants (42.4%) received a complete course of primary vaccination, 342 (56.9%) completed the booster dose, and 132 (38.6%) received a mixed vaccine. The frequencies of AEs (188 [52.2%] vs. 21 [5.8%]; P < 0.001) and disease flares (58 [16.2%] vs. 5 [1.4%]; P < 0.001) after COVID-19 vaccination were significantly higher than those after influenza vaccination. In the risk factor analysis, previous allergic reaction to other vaccines (odds ratio, 1.95; confidence interval, 1.07-3.70; P = 0.034) was the only factor associated with the occurrence of AEs. There was no difference in the post-vaccine responses between the mixed and matched vaccines.

CONCLUSION

The results of the survey of patients with ARD revealed that patient-reported AEs and underlying disease flares after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were significantly higher than those after the influenza vaccine.

Vaccination process of immunocompromised patients in the Netherlands: Current challenges and potential solutions

Introduction

Immunocompromised patients (ICP) have an increased risk for infectious diseases. Vaccines could help reduce this risk. However, ICP do not always receive or are reimbursed for the specific vaccinations on which they are dependent in the Netherlands. This research aims to gain insights into the current challenges in the vaccination process of ICP in the Netherlands. Moreover, it aims to explore potential solutions for these challenges and the ideal vaccination process.

Methods

Twelve semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders were conducted. Partly based on the challenges found by the Council for Health and Society (RVS) and the Dutch National Health Care Institute (ZIN) an interview guide was developed.

Results

Several newly emerged challenges were identified: fair reimbursement for the efforts of stakeholders; circular reasoning of vaccine reimbursement and guidelines; suboptimal translation from guidelines to practice and no smooth-running infrastructure. Most challenges corresponded with those stated by the RVS and ZIN. Affordability and knowledge deficit in healthcare providers and patients were the most important challenges. Rarely the same solutions were mentioned, and no ideal vaccination process emerged.

Conclusions

The various challenges in the vaccination process of ICP in the Netherlands implies the difficulty to solve the problem. It is recommended to focus on solving the most important challenges. A potential solution is to adjust the GVS registration process to make it easier for the pharmaceutical industry to apply for reimbursement towards various high-risk groups. Additionally, vaccination should have a more prominent role in the education of healthcare providers. Furthermore, stakeholders need to cooperate more to solve the reimbursement and guidelines issue.

Understanding the factors that influence communication about COVID-19 vaccines with patients: Perspectives of Australian immunisation providers

Background

COVID-19 immunisation providers have been at the forefront of the pandemic, and their ability to communicate effectively with patients is key to encouraging COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake. This study explored providers' perspectives on the factors influencing communication with patients about COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

We used an explanatory-sequential mixed-methods approach to conduct the study between December 2021 and March 2022. Phase I involved a cross-sectional survey with immunisation providers in New South Wales (n = 341; 189 general practitioners, 118 nurses and 34 pharmacists), followed by Phase II: semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 19; 10 nurses, 9 pharmacists). We generated descriptive results for the survey. We analysed the qualitative data thematically using an inductive approach.

Results

Almost half of survey participants reported communicating often with people who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines (49 %; 166/341), however, 21 % (71/341) reported inadequate time to address concerns during consultations. Interview participants reported communication challenges, including time constraints, difficulties addressing and eliciting patient concerns, and keeping up to date with changing information. Conversely, interview participants reported that easy access to government information resources, time to learn about COVID-19 vaccines proactively, knowing about and being able to use tailored strategies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD patients were helpful when communicating with patients.

Conclusions

Immunisation providers play an important role in patient vaccine acceptance and uptake. Our findings indicate that whilst providers were largely confident in their interactions with patients, further communication support would strengthen providers' skills in communicating with patients who have questions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.

Measles and Varicella Vaccination Program in a Hospital: Implementation and Impact on Contact Tracing

Healthcare workers are recommended to get vaccinated against measles and varicella. This study aims to describe the implementation process of a measles and varicella vaccination program and report on the reduction in the number of susceptible healthcare workers exposed to measles, varicella, and disseminated herpes zoster at a tertiary hospital. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) model was used to describe the vaccination program implemented from October 2015 to September 2018. The number of exposed, reviewed, and susceptible healthcare workers during contact tracing for exposure to (a) measles and (b) varicella and disseminated herpes zoster in 2016, 2017, and 2018 is reported. A total of 6770 (95%) out of 7083 healthcare workers completed their immunization review by 2018. In 2016, 20 (10%) out of 198 healthcare workers exposed to measles were considered susceptible. In 2018, no one was found susceptible out of the 51 staff members exposed to measles (p < 0.01). For exposure to varicella and disseminated herpes zoster, seven (5%) out of 154 exposed healthcare workers were susceptible in 2016. In comparison, only two (1%) out of 377 exposed healthcare workers in 2018 were susceptible (p < 0.01). The vaccination program effectively reduced number of healthcare workers susceptible to measles, varicella, and disseminated zoster.

Dutch Healthcare Professionals' Opinion on the Allocation of Responsibilities concerning Prescribing and Administering Medically Indicated Vaccines to Immunocompromised Patients

BACKGROUND

Specific vaccines are indicated for immunocompromised patients (ICPs) due to their vulnerability to infections. Recommendation of these vaccines by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a crucial facilitator for vaccine uptake. Unfortunately, the responsibilities to recommend and administer these vaccines are not clearly allocated among HCPs involved in the care of adult ICPs. We aimed to evaluate HCPs' opinions on directorship and their role in facilitating the uptake of medically indicated vaccines as a basis to improve vaccination practices.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed among in-hospital medical specialists (MSs), general practitioners (GPs), and public health specialists (PHSs) in the Netherlands to assess their opinion on directorship and the implementation of vaccination care. Additionally, perceived barriers, facilitators, and possible solutions to improve vaccine uptake were investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 306 HCPs completed the survey. HCPs almost unanimously (98%) reported that according to them, the primary treating physician is responsible for recommending medically indicated vaccines. Administering these vaccines was seen as a more shared responsibility. The most important barriers experienced by HCPs in recommending and administering were reimbursement problems, a lack of a national vaccination registration system, insufficient collaboration among HCPs, and logistical problems. MSs, GPs and PHSs all mentioned the same three solutions as important strategies to improve vaccination practices, i.e., reimbursement of vaccines, reliable and easily accessible registration of received vaccines, and arrangements for collaboration among the different HCPs that are involved in care.

CONCLUSION

The improvement in vaccination practices in ICPs should focus on better collaboration among MSs, GPs, and PHSs, who should know each other's expertise; clear agreement on responsibility; reimbursement for vaccines; and the availability of clear registration of vaccination history.

Safer at school early alert: an observational study of wastewater and surface monitoring to detect COVID-19 in elementary schools

Background

Schools are high-risk settings for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but necessary for children's educational and social-emotional wellbeing. Previous research suggests that wastewater monitoring can detect SARS-CoV-2 infections in controlled residential settings with high levels of accuracy. However, its effective accuracy, cost, and feasibility in non-residential community settings is unknown.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and accuracy of community-based passive wastewater and surface (environmental) surveillance to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in neighborhood schools compared to weekly diagnostic (PCR) testing. We implemented an environmental surveillance system in nine elementary schools with 1700 regularly present staff and students in southern California. The system was validated from November 2020 to March 2021.

Findings

In 447 data collection days across the nine sites 89 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 374 surface samples and 133 wastewater samples. Ninety-three percent of identified cases were associated with an environmental sample (95% CI: 88%-98%); 67% were associated with a positive wastewater sample (95% CI: 57%-77%), and 40% were associated with a positive surface sample (95% CI: 29%-52%). The techniques we utilized allowed for near-complete genomic sequencing of wastewater and surface samples.

Interpretation

Passive environmental surveillance can detect the presence of COVID-19 cases in non-residential community school settings with a high degree of accuracy.

Funding

County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Centers for Disease Control.

Wastewater and surface monitoring to detect COVID-19 in elementary school settings: The Safer at School Early Alert project

Background

Schools are high-risk settings for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but necessary for children's educational and social-emotional wellbeing. Previous research suggests that wastewater monitoring can detect SARS-CoV-2 infections in controlled residential settings with high levels of accuracy. However, its effective accuracy, cost, and feasibility in non-residential community settings is unknown.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and accuracy of community-based passive wastewater and surface (environmental) surveillance to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in neighborhood schools compared to weekly diagnostic (PCR) testing. We implemented an environmental surveillance system in nine elementary schools with 1700 regularly present staff and students in southern California. The system was validated from November 2020 - March 2021.

Findings

In 447 data collection days across the nine sites 89 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 374 surface samples and 133 wastewater samples. Ninety-three percent of identified cases were associated with an environmental sample (95% CI: 88% - 98%); 67% were associated with a positive wastewater sample (95% CI: 57% - 77%), and 40% were associated with a positive surface sample (95% CI: 29% - 52%). The techniques we utilized allowed for near-complete genomic sequencing of wastewater and surface samples.

Interpretation

Passive environmental surveillance can detect the presence of COVID-19 cases in non-residential community school settings with a high degree of accuracy.

Funding

County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Centers for Disease Control.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance among gastroenterologists and inflammatory bowel disease patients: VACUNEII project

INTRODUCTION

Several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are currently in use and are recommended in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Data are scarce about the gastroenterologists and IBD patient's acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The aim of the study was to evaluate the intention to get vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among IBD patients from gastroenterologists and patient's perspective.

METHODS

An online anonymous survey was sent to 8000 patients from ACCU-Spain and 1000 members of the GETECCU. Three invitations were sent between October-December 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed, comparing physicians and patients responses by standard statistical analyses.

RESULTS

144 gastroenterologists [63% female, mean age 43 years (SD 9.5)], and 1302 patients [72% female, mean age 43 years (SD 12)] responded to the survey. 95% of the physicians recommended SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for IBD patients and 87% consider that their vaccination strategies has not changed after the pandemic compared to 12% who considered that they currently refer more patients to vaccination. Regarding to IBD patients, only 43% of patients were willing to receive the vaccine and 43% were not sure. Male sex (p<0.001) and mesalazine treatment (p=0.021) were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance. After multivariate analysis, only male sex was significantly associated with vaccination intent (OR=1.6; 95% confidence interval=1.2-2.0; p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroenterologists and patient's perspective about SARS-CoV-2 are different. Future efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine and decrease unfounded beliefs among IBD patients are needed.

Factors associated with pneumococcal vaccine uptake among vulnerable older adults in the United States primary care setting

Pneumococcal vaccine uptake targets set by Healthy People 2020 were not met by 2019 among vulnerable United States populations, yet research suggests progress can be made in primary care settings. This study assessed factors associated with having gotten a pneumococcal vaccine among vulnerable adults aged 50 and older. This study used the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey nationally representative dataset. Eligible individuals were aged 50-64 with an 'at risk' health condition or ≥65 years and had a primary care provider as their usual source of care (N = 3,760). Binary logistic regression was used to test factors (identified from literature) for a significant association with getting the pneumococcal vaccine. Factors with significant associations were entered into an adjusted multivariable logistic regression model to generate the odds of endorsing a factor given that the respondent got the vaccine. Collinearity among variables was examined with an unacceptable threshold of 0.8 correlation. A significance threshold of 0.05 was used. Those who got the pneumococcal vaccine had 16.7 (p < 0.001), 16.0 (p < 0.001) and 11.0 times (p < 0.001) higher odds of having also gotten the influenza vaccine, the herpes zoster vaccine and a colonoscopy respectively. They had 3.86 times (p = 0.009) higher odds of having diabetes mellitus, 0.036 times (p = 0.019) higher odds of having visited their doctors three times in 2018 and 8.4 times (p = 0.009) higher odds of having seen their doctor within the last year. Concordance statistic for model fit was 0.936. There was a negative association between pneumococcal vaccination and going to three doctor office visits in 2018 vs only once. The strongest positive associations were found between pneumococcal vaccination and getting the herpes zoster vaccine, influenza vaccine and getting a colonoscopy. These results suggest that those who choose to get the pneumococcal vaccine may have higher odds of also getting other vaccines or specific preventative screenings.

Exploring the Mental, Social, and Lifestyle Effects of a Positive COVID-19 Infection on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study

Migrants and refugees are among the vulnerable populations that suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. However, their experiences with COVID-19 positivity status have not been investigated. This study explored the physical, mental, and psychosocial impacts of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Syrian refugees living in Jordan. Using a qualitative approach, twenty phone interviews were conducted with ten adult Syrian refugees living within the camp and ten refugees living in non-camp (host community) settings in Jordan. Follow-up interviews with five health care providers at a refugee camp were conducted to explore the services and support provided to the refugees with COVID-19 infection. The findings were thematically analyzed and grouped into major themes, subthemes, and emerging themes. Refugees living within camp settings had better access to testing, healthcare, and disease management and did not experience fear of being deported. Refugees in both settings suffered mental and psychosocial health impacts, social isolation, fear of death, and disease complications. COVID-19 infection has negatively impacted refugees' well-being with noticeable disparities across the different living conditions. Refugees living within host community settings may need more support for managing their condition, accessibility to free testing, as well as treatment and healthcare services.

Vaccination Coverage among Immunocompromised Patients in a Large Health Maintenance Organization: Findings from a Novel Computerized Registry

Immune-compromised patients (IPs) are at high risk for infections, some of which are preventable by vaccines. Specific vaccines are recommended for IP; however, the vaccination rate is suboptimal. The aim of this study is to describe the development of an IP registry and to assess vaccination rates in this population. A population-based registry of IPs was developed using an automated extraction of patient electronic health-record data in Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), an Israeli health maintenance organization serving over 2.4 million members. Included in the registry were patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (IT); patients living with HIV (PLWH); solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients (TR); patients with advanced kidney disease (AKD), and asplenic patients. We evaluated the full schedule for each vaccine's uptake rates for influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hepatitis B. On 1 October 2019, 32,637 adult immune-compromised patients were identified by the registry. Of them, 1647 were PLWH; 2354 were asplenic; 5317 had AKD; 23,216 were on IT; and 1824 were TR. Their mean age was 57 and 52.4% were females. The crude rate of immune compromise among adult MHS members was 2%. Vaccine coverage rate was overall low for PCV13, with only 11.9% of all IPs in the registry having received one dose. Influenza and PPV23 vaccination rates were higher (45% and 39.4%, respectively). Only 5.3% of all IPs received all three vaccines. Overall, low vaccination coverage was found among IPs. Our registry can serve to identify target-patient populations for interventions and monitor their effectiveness.

Understanding change in COVID-19 vaccination intention with network analysis of longitudinal data from Dutch adults

Prior research into the relationship between attitudes and vaccination intention is predominantly cross-sectional and therefore does not provide insight into directions of relations. During the COVID-19 vaccines development and enrollment phase, we studied the temporal dynamics of COVID-19 vaccination intention in relation to attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic, vaccination in general, social norms and trust. The data are derived from a longitudinal survey study with Dutch participants from a research panel (N = 744; six measurements between December 2020 and May 2021; age 18-84 years [M = 53.32]) and analyzed with vector-autoregression network analyses. While cross-sectional results indicated that vaccination intention was relatively strongly related to attitudes toward the vaccines, results from temporal analyses showed that vaccination intention mainly predicted other vaccination-related variables and to a lesser extent was predicted by variables. We found a weak predictive effect from social norm to vaccination intention that was not robust. This study underlines the challenge of stimulating uptake of new vaccines developed during pandemics, and the importance of examining directions of effects in research into vaccination intention.

Attitudes towards coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine and sources of information across diverse ethnic groups in the UK: a qualitative study from June to October 2020

OBJECTIVES

Across diverse ethnic groups in the UK, explore attitudes and intentions towards COVID-19 vaccination and sources of COVID-19 information.

DESIGN

Remote qualitative interviews and focus groups (FGs) conducted June-October 2020 before UK COVID-19 vaccine approval. Data were transcribed and analysed through inductive thematic analysis and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework.

SETTING

England and Wales.

PARTICIPANTS

100 participants from 19 self-identified ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Mistrust and doubt were reported across ethnic groups. Many participants shared concerns about perceived lack of information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. There were differences within each ethnic group, with factors such as occupation and perceived health status influencing intention to accept a vaccine once made available. Across ethnic groups, participants believed that public contact occupations, older adults and vulnerable groups should be prioritised for vaccination. Perceived risk, social influences, occupation, age, comorbidities and engagement with healthcare influenced participants' intentions to accept vaccination once available. All Jewish FG participants intended to accept, while all Traveller FG participants indicated they probably would not.Facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake across ethnic groups included: desire to return to normality and protect health and well-being; perceived higher risk of infection; evidence of vaccine safety and efficacy; vaccine availability and accessibility.COVID-19 information sources were influenced by social factors and included: friends and family; media and news outlets; research literature; and culture and religion. Participants across most different ethnic groups were concerned about misinformation or had negative attitudes towards the media.

CONCLUSIONS

During vaccination rollout, including boosters, commissioners and providers should provide accurate information, authentic community outreach and use appropriate channels to disseminate information and counter misinformation. Adopting a context-specific approach to vaccine resources, interventions and policies and empowering communities has potential to increase trust in the programme.

Access to Vaccination among Disadvantaged, Isolated and Difficult-to-Reach Communities in the WHO European Region: A Systematic Review

Vaccination has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. High vaccination coverage rates are required to achieve herd protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. However, limited vaccine access and hesitancy among specific communities represent significant obstacles to this goal. This review provides an overview of critical factors associated with vaccination among disadvantaged groups in World Health Organisation European countries. Initial searches yielded 18,109 publications from four databases, and 104 studies from 19 out of 53 countries reporting 22 vaccine-preventable diseases were included. Nine groups representing the populations of interest were identified, and most of the studies focused on asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and deprived communities. Recall of previous vaccinations received was poor, and serology was conducted in some cases to confirm protection for those who received prior vaccinations. Vaccination coverage was lower among study populations compared to the general population or national average. Factors that influenced uptake, which presented differently at different population levels, included health service accessibility, language and vaccine literacy, including risk perception, disease severity and vaccination benefits. Strategies that could be implemented in vaccination policy and programs were also identified. Overall, interventions specific to target communities are vital to improving uptake. More innovative strategies need to be deployed to improve vaccination coverage among disadvantaged groups.

Effect of the 2020/21 season influenza vaccine on SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of Italian healthcare workers

OBJECTIVES

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). The 2020/21 SIV campaign was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines, including SIV, may exert non-specific protective effects on other infectious diseases which may be ascribable to the concept of trained immunity. The aim of this study was to explore the association between 2020/21 SIV and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in a cohort of Italian HCWs.

METHODS

In this observational study, a cohort of HCWs employed by a large (ca 5000 employees) referral tertiary acute-care university hospital was followed up retrospectively until the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The independent variable of interest was the 2020/21 SIV uptake. Both egg-based and cell culture-derived quadrivalent SIVs were available. The study outcome was the incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 infections, as determined by RT-PCR. Multivariable Cox regression was applied in order to discern the association of interest.

RESULTS

The final cohort consisted of 2561 HCWs who underwent ≥1 RT-PCR test and accounted for a total of 94,445 person-days of observation. SIV uptake was 35.6%. During the study period, a total of 290 new SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred. The incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.22-2.10) and 3.91 (95% CI: 3.43-4.45) per 1000 person-days in vaccinated and non-vaccinated HCWs, respectively, with an adjusted non-proportional hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.22-0.62). E-values suggested that unmeasured confounding was unlikely to explain the association.

CONCLUSIONS

A lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed among SIV recipients.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Information Sources and Beliefs in Dutch Adults

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy may be regarded as a new pandemic hindering the elimination of or coping with COVID-19. This study assessed reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using the I-Change Model (ICM) by considering the role of informational and psychosocial factors. A cross-sectional online survey using a convenience sample was conducted among Dutch adults (n = 240). The questionnaire assessed information factors, predisposing factors, awareness factors, motivational factors, preparatory actions, and vaccination intention. Vaccine hesitant participants (n = 58, 24%) had lower levels of education, more often paid work, and tended to have a religion other than Catholicism. They used written media less often and tended to visit websites of public health organizations less often, but used messaging services like WhatsApp more frequently. All participants had neutral intentions towards checking information credibility. Vaccine hesitant respondents had less knowledge about vaccination, lower perceived severity of getting sick and dying of COVID-19, and reported fewer exposures to cues about the advantages of COVID-19 vaccination. They were less convinced of the emotional and rational advantages of COVID-19 vaccination and expressed more negative feelings about it. They also reported more negative social norms concerning COVID-19 vaccination, and lower self-efficacy to get vaccinated and to cope with potential side-effects. The regression model explained 58% of the variance in vaccination intention. The results suggest that strategies are needed to: 1. Reduce fake news and stimulate information checking to foster well-informed decision-making; 2. Target both rational and emotional consequences of COVID-19, in addition to strategies for optimizing levels of knowledge. Campaigns should acknowledge the perceptions of the emotional disadvantages and increase perceptions of emotional advantages of COVID-19 vaccinations, such as reducing feelings of regret, and increasing feelings of freedom and reassurance.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of incarcerated people regarding COVID-19 and related vaccination: a survey in Italy

The cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward COVID-19 disease of incarcerated people. A total of 685 subjects were surveyed. 94% were aware that respiratory droplets are involved in the transmission of COVID-19, and 77.2% that patients with chronic conditions are at risk of a more severe disease. Overall, 92.7% of respondents considered COVID-19 a more severe disease compared to influenza, and 85.4% believed that COVID-19 could cause serious consequences in their institution. Only 22.6% were self-confident about their ability to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This attitude was significantly higher in those who were involved in working activities in the institution, who did not report at least one common symptom compatible with COVID-19 in the previous 3 months, who did not show generalized anxiety symptoms, and did not need additional information. 63.9% of incarcerated people expressed willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Older subjects, who knew that a COVID-19 vaccination is available, believed that COVID-19 is more serious than influenza, and were self-confident about their ability to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection, were significantly more willing to undergo COVID-19 vaccination. Public health response to COVID-19 in prisons should address vaccine hesitancy to increase vaccine confidence among incarcerated people.

A Hybrid Model with Spherical Fuzzy-AHP, PLS-SEM and ANN to Predict Vaccination Intention against COVID-19

This study aims to identify the key factors affecting individuals’ behavioral vaccination intention against COVID-19 in Vietnam through an online questionnaire survey. Differing from previous studies, a novel three-staged approach combining Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP), Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed. Five factors associated with individuals’ behavioral vaccination intention (INT) based on 15 experts’ opinions are considered in SF-AHP analysis, including Perceived Severity of COVID-19 (PSC), Perceived COVID-19 vaccines (PVC), Trust in government intervention strategies (TRS), Social Influence (SOI), and Social media (SOM). First, the results of SF-AHP indicated that all proposed factors correlate with INT. Second, the data of 474 valid respondents were collected and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The PLS-SEM results reported that INT was directly influenced by PVC and TRS. In contrast, SOI had no direct effect on INT. Further, PSC and SOM moderated the relationship between PVC, TRS and INT, respectively. The ANN was deployed to validate the previous stages and found that the best predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intention were PVC, TRS, and SOM. These results were consistent with the SF-AHP and PLS-SEM models. This research provides an innovative new approach employing quantitative and qualitative techniques to understand individuals’ vaccination intention during the global pandemic. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used and expanded to assess the perceived efficacy of COVID-19 measures in other nations currently battling the COVID-19 outbreak.

Patients' Perception and Knowledge about Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey in Patients at Risk of Infections

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to assess, in an at-risk population, perception and knowledge about influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.

METHODS

An anonymous web-based survey was submitted to patients recruited in France, from both an Ipsos internal panel and AVNIR patient associations. The study was conducted between July and October 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Overall, 2177 questionnaires from patients at risk of infection were analyzed. Almost all respondents (86%, 1869/2177) declared themselves to be favorable to vaccination. Nearly half of the patients (49%, 1069/2177) were aware of which vaccine was recommended for their specific situation. This percentage was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for members of a patient association and for people affected by multiple chronic conditions and varied according to the type of condition. Almost two-thirds of patients (1373/2177) declared having been vaccinated during the 2019/2020 influenza season, and 41% (894/2177) were certain about being up to date with the pneumococcal vaccination. The main barriers to vaccination for influenza are the fear of side effects, doubt regarding the efficacy of the vaccine and for pneumococcal vaccination, and the absence of suggestions by the healthcare professionals (HCPs), as 64% of respondents were not recommended to obtain pneumococcal vaccination. To improve vaccine coverage, information is of prime importance and GPs are recognized as the main HCP to inform about vaccination. Nearly two-thirds (62%, 1360/2177) of patients declared that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced them to have all the recommended vaccines.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted the nonoptimal vaccine coverage in at-risk populations despite a highly positive perception of vaccines and confirmed that physicians are on the front lines to suggest and recommend these vaccinations, especially in the current pandemic context, which may be used to promote other vaccines.

Vaccination information, motivations, and barriers in the context of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine introduction: A qualitative assessment among caregivers in Burkina Faso, 2018

BACKGROUND

In March 2017, Burkina Faso introduced meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) into the Expanded Programme on Immunization. MACV is administered to children aged 15-18 months, concomitantly with the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2). One year after MACV introduction, we assessed the sources and content of immunization information available to caregivers and explored motivations and barriers that influence their decision to seek MACV for their children.

METHODS

Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with caregivers of children eligible for MACV and MCV2. Data collection occurred in February-March 2018 in four purposively selected districts, each from a separate geographic region; within each district, caregivers were stratified into groups based on whether their children were unvaccinated or vaccinated with MACV. FGDs were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

We identified many different sources and content of information about MACV and MCV2 available to caregivers. Healthcare workers were most commonly cited as the main sources of information; caregivers also received information from other caregivers in the community. Caregivers' motivations to seek MACV for their children were driven by personal awareness, engagements with trusted messengers, and perceived protective benefits of MACV against meningitis. Barriers to MACV and MCV2 uptake were linked to the unavailability of vaccines, immunization personnel not providing doses, knowledge gaps about the 15-18 month visit, practical constraints, past negative experiences, sociocultural influences, and misinformation, including misunderstanding about the need for MCV2.

CONCLUSIONS

MACV and MCV2 uptake may be enhanced by addressing vaccination barriers and effectively communicating vaccination information and benefits through trusted messengers such as healthcare workers and other caregivers in the community. Educating healthcare workers to avoid withholding vaccines, likely due to fear of wastage, may help reduce missed opportunities for vaccination.

Attitudes of Spanish hospital staff towards COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination rates

Background

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy seems to be universal across countries and subgroups, and so are its determinants. We studied the willingness and factors associated with the decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCW) in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Furthermore, we compared the percentage of willingness to vaccinate against COVID with actual vaccination rates among HCW in our hospital.

Methods

From December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021, before initiation of the COVID-19 HCW vaccination campaign at Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTiP), an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to HCW. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the association of variables with the outcome “intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible” was conducted. Vaccination rates were extracted from the hospital information systems.

Results

Forty-four percent of HCW included in the study declared a willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. This was associated with male sex [1.66 (95%CI 1.13–2.43); p = 0.009], older age [1.02 (95%CI 1.00–1.03); p = 0.014], belonging to the occupational groups “physician” or “other” [5.76 (95%CI 3.44–9.63) and 2.15 (95%CI 1.25–3.70); p<0.001], respectively, and reporting influenza vaccination during the last three seasons or at least one of the last three seasons [3.84 (95%CI 2.56–5.75) and 2.49 (95%CI 1.71–3.63); p<0.001]. One in ten hospital workers reported they were unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Actual COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCW was higher (80.4%) than the percentage of willingness to vaccinate estimated from the questionnaire. Physicians not only had the highest vaccination rate, but also the highest correlation between the reported intention to vaccinate and the final decision to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccination uptake was higher than previously estimated according to the stated intentions of HCW. Doubts and fears must be addressed, particularly in persons less inclined to be vaccinated: females, younger people and those not vaccinated against influenza in recent seasons. The study of barriers and strategies aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccination must be adapted in relation to occupational groups’ attitudes, understanding their idiosyncrasies with respect to this and other vaccines.

Exploring the behavioral determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among an urban population in Bangladesh: Implications for behavior change interventions

BACKGROUND

While vaccines ensure individual protection against COVID-19 infection, delay in receipt or refusal of vaccines will have both individual and community impacts. The behavioral factors of vaccine hesitancy or refusal are a crucial dimension that need to be understood in order to design appropriate interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the behavioral determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and to provide recommendations to increase the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Bangladesh.

METHODS

We employed a Barrier Analysis (BA) approach to examine twelve potential behavioral determinants (drawn from the Health Belief Model [HBM] and Theory of Reasoned Action [TRA]) of intended vaccine acceptance. We conducted 45 interviews with those who intended to take the vaccine (Acceptors) and another 45 interviews with those who did not have that intention (Non-acceptors). We performed data analysis to find statistically significant differences and to identify which beliefs were most highly associated with acceptance and non-acceptance with COVID-19 vaccines.

RESULTS

The behavioral determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Dhaka included perceived social norms, perceived safety of COVID-19 vaccines and trust in them, perceived risk/susceptibility, perceived self-efficacy, perceived positive and negative consequences, perceived action efficacy, perceived severity of COVID-19, access, and perceived divine will. In line with the HBM, beliefs about the disease itself were highly predictive of vaccine acceptance, and some of the strongest statistically-significant (p<0.001) predictors of vaccine acceptance in this population are beliefs around both injunctive and descriptive social norms. Specifically, Acceptors were 3.2 times more likely to say they would be very likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine if a doctor or nurse recommended it, twice as likely to say that most people they know will get a vaccine, and 1.3 times more likely to say that most close family and friends will get a vaccine. The perceived safety of vaccines was found to be important since Non-acceptors were 1.8 times more likely to say that COVID-19 vaccines are "not safe at all". Beliefs about one's risk of getting COVID-19 disease and the severity of it were predictive of being a vaccine acceptor: Acceptors were 1.4 times more likely to say that it was very likely that someone in their household would get COVID-19, 1.3 times more likely to say that they were very concerned about getting COVID-19, and 1.3 times more likely to say that it would be very serious if someone in their household contracted COVID-19. Other responses of Acceptors on what makes immunization easier may be helpful in programming to boost acceptance, such as providing vaccination through government health facilities, schools, and kiosks, and having vaccinators maintain proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

CONCLUSION

An effective behavior change strategy for COVID-19 vaccines uptake will need to address multiple beliefs and behavioral determinants, reducing barriers and leveraging enablers identified in this study. National plans for promoting COVID-19 vaccination should address the barriers, enablers, and behavioral determinants found in this study in order to maximize the impact on COVID-19 vaccination acceptance.