Influenza Vaccination Strategies in Healthcare Workers: A Cohort Study (2018-2021) in an Italian University Hospital

Attitudes toward influenza vaccination in healthcare workers in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the at-risk groups for whom influenza vaccination is strongly recommended. To assess the proportion of Italian HCWs with positive attitudes toward influenza vaccination, we conducted a systematic review of relevant literature and a meta-analysis. Our focus was on the influenza seasons from 2017/18 to 2021/22. The prevalence of favorable attitudes toward vaccination varied, ranging from 12% during the 2017/18 influenza season to 59% in the 2020/21 season. The significant increase in the 2020/21 season can be attributed to adaptations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021/22 influenza season, there was a decline in vaccination coverage (37%), likely due to the absence of a robust preventive culture. Various strategies have been employed to enhance HCWs' attitudes to achieve higher vaccination rates, but none of them have demonstrated satisfactory results. Policymakers should consider implementing a policy of mandatory vaccination to ensure elevated vaccination coverage among HCWs.

Influenza immunization of healthcare personnel in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era: Still a lot to do!

Healthcare-associated influenza is frequently encountered in healthcare settings with significant morbidity and mortality among vulnerable patients, absenteeism among healthcare personnel (HCP), and interruption of healthcare services. Numerous investigations indicate that nosocomial outbreaks are often traced to HCP. Despite the international and national endorsements, seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance among HCP continues suboptimal worldwide. Infection control is the major objective for healthcare risk management in order to guarantee patient safety, limit the cost of hospitalization and assurance health management in controlling influenza seasons. Vigilance and anticipation are required as globally we are moving from a reactive COVID-19 pandemic response phase to one of planning for the co-circulation of viral respiratory infections. Declining to understand HCP perception of influenza risk and acceptance of vaccination might have impact patient safety as well as healthcare services.

Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare: The Past, Present and Future

As defined by the World Health Organisation in the conference held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, in 1978, "Primary health care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination" [...].

Artificial Intelligence and Public Health: Evaluating ChatGPT Responses to Vaccination Myths and Misconceptions

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, are the subject of intense debate regarding their possible applications in contexts such as health care. This study evaluates the Correctness, Clarity, and Exhaustiveness of the answers provided by ChatGPT on the topic of vaccination. The World Health Organization's 11 "myths and misconceptions" about vaccinations were administered to both the free (GPT-3.5) and paid version (GPT-4.0) of ChatGPT. The AI tool's responses were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, in reference to those myth and misconceptions provided by WHO, independently by two expert Raters. The agreement between the Raters was significant for both versions (p of K < 0.05). Overall, ChatGPT responses were easy to understand and 85.4% accurate although one of the questions was misinterpreted. Qualitatively, the GPT-4.0 responses were superior to the GPT-3.5 responses in terms of Correctness, Clarity, and Exhaustiveness (Δ = 5.6%, 17.9%, 9.3%, respectively). The study shows that, if appropriately questioned, AI tools can represent a useful aid in the health care field. However, when consulted by non-expert users, without the support of expert medical advice, these tools are not free from the risk of eliciting misleading responses. Moreover, given the existing social divide in information access, the improved accuracy of answers from the paid version raises further ethical issues.

First Year of Special Issue "New Insights in Vaccination and Public Health": Opinions and Considerations

Disease prevention and control is the foundation of public health [...].

Effectiveness of on-site influenza vaccination strategy in Italian healthcare workers: a systematic review and statistical analysis

INTRODUCTION

One of the main determinants of non-adherence to influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is lack of time to attend vaccination services. Therefore, international Public Health Organizations have recommended on-site influenza vaccination in order to improve vaccination coverage among HCWs.

AREAS COVERED

We conducted a systematic narrative review of the relevant literature to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy among HCWs in Italy. Fifteen studies, selected among scientific articles available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus and published from January 1^st, 2018, to May 31^st, 2022, were included. A significant relationship was evidenced between influenza vaccine uptake and adoption of an on-site outpatient clinic (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.43-2.95). The review highlighted a significant increase in VC when on-site vaccination was implemented (even exceeding +150% compared to the previous season), among other measures. Nevertheless, none of the reported experiences proved to meet the minimum target of 75% VC among HCWs.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite strategies to achieve greater willingness to immunize in this category, mandatory vaccination appears to be the only one that can guarantee protection for HCWs and the patients they care for.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on flu vaccine uptake in healthcare workers in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Influenza immunization policies in Europe primarily target at-risk and vulnerable subjects. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a key focus of vaccination campaigns. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the role of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccine uptake among HCWs since the 2020/21 influenza season.

AREAS COVERED

Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review, selected from scientific articles available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases between 1 January 2021 and 15 January 2023 The analysis revealed a significant relationship between influenza vaccine uptake and COVID-19 related determinants, such as willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, fear of COVID-19, and differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms (OR = 5.70; 95%CI = 2.08-15.60). Several studies reported higher vaccination coverages in the 2020/21 season compared to previous seasons, with VC values ranging from + 17% to + 38% compared to the 2019/20 season. The included studies identified a shift in HCWs' attitudes toward influenza vaccination, attributed to increased awareness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EXPERT OPINION

Vaccine hesitancy is common among HCWs in Europe, necessitating mutual strategies across all European countries. So far, mandatory vaccination policies have shown the most potential in achieving high and sustainable influenza vaccination rates among HCWs.

Influenza Vaccination among Multiple Sclerosis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses may have severe complications for vulnerable populations. For this reason, the World Health Organization pointed to the 2020-2021 anti-influenza campaign as being of special relevance. Our aim was to assess the 2020-2021 influenza vaccination coverage, and its associated factors, among patients in a Spanish multiple sclerosis (MS) unit. A cross-sectional study was conducted. People attending the MS unit of the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza during 2020 were included. Variables were obtained by reviewing records. Associations with 2020-2021 influenza vaccination were analyzed using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. A total of 302 patients were studied; 62.6% were women, whose mean age (standard deviation) was 47.3 (11.5) years. The 2020-2021 influenza vaccination coverage was 55.3% (59.8% in women and 47.8% in men). A total of 89.7% had at least one other indication for vaccination (e.g., immunosuppressive treatment in 225 patients). The variables associated with getting vaccinated were being female (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (aOR (95%CI) = 2.12 (1.12-3.99)), having received the 2019-2020 influenza vaccine (aOR (95%CI) = 31.82 (14.71-68.86)) and being born in Spain (aOR (95%CI) = 12.91 (1.07-156.28)). Coverage is moderate compared to other countries. It is necessary to develop strategies to improve it, especially in men and those born outside Spain.

The Economic and Fiscal Impact of Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Workers in Italy

Influenza has a significant impact on the health care system and also on production and economic systems. Vaccinated health care workers (HCWs) are more likely to have improved productivity compared to unvaccinated workers. The study aim was to estimate the economic and fiscal impact of an influenza vaccination program for HCWs in Italy. We performed a cost analysis aimed to estimate the indirect costs (productivity losses due to working days lost) and the increase in tax revenues derived from the increase in vaccination coverage among HCWs. Assuming an incremental increase in vaccination coverage of 10% per year over a period of 5 years, total savings could be obtained in terms of a reduction in productivity losses equal to −€4,475,497.16 and an increase in tax revenues of €327,158.84. This revenue could be used to finance other health interventions. Our results are fundamental in view of the sustainability of health systems and of a value-based allocation of health resources. Therefore, a complete social perspective, including the fiscal impact of flu vaccination, should be adopted to assess the economic value of influenza vaccines. Currently, health policies based on the whole value of flu vaccination are needed.

The Preventive Health Professions in Italy: The Efficient Use of Resources, Skills and Best Practice during the Pandemic

Health visitors (HVs) and environmental health officers (EHOs) are the healthcare workers (HCWs) who, in the Italian National Health Service, mainly operate in the prevention departments of local health authorities, guaranteeing the territorial activities specifically declared with the respective professional profiles. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was necessary to reallocate all HCWs supporting Hygiene and Public Health Services involved on the front lines of the emergency, in order to perform preventive activities and to take immediate action to fight the spread of the virus. By means of an IT survey consisting of three sections, this study investigated how 960 HVs and EHOs dealt with this reallocation, with the shifting in service assignment, and with the perceived level of fatigue and pressure, through the application of skills acquired from university training. The synergy among the preventive health professions, the ability to work in a multi-professional team, and the complementary training of HCWs represent the main strengths for overcoming future public health challenges, aimed at protecting human health.

Assessing Healthcare Workers' Knowledge and Their Confidence in the Diagnosis and Management of Human Monkeypox: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Middle Eastern Country

The ongoing multi-country human monkeypox (HMPX) outbreak was declared as a public health emergency of international concern. Considering the key role of healthcare workers (HCWs) in mitigating the HMPX outbreak, we aimed to assess their level of knowledge and their confidence in diagnosis and management of the disease, besides the assessment of their attitude towards emerging virus infections from a conspiracy point of view. An online survey was distributed among HCWs in Jordan, a Middle Eastern country, during May−July 2022 using a questionnaire published in a previous study among university students in health schools in Jordan. The study sample comprised 606 HCWs, with about two-thirds being either physicians (n = 204, 33.7%) or nurses (n = 190, 31.4%). Four out of the 11 HMPX knowledge items had <50% correct responses with only 33.3% of the study respondents having previous knowledge that vaccination is available to prevent HMPX. A majority of study respondents (n = 356, 58.7%) strongly agreed, agreed or somewhat agreed that the spread of HMPX is related to a role of male homosexuals. Confidence in the ability of diagnosis based on the available monkeypox virus diagnostic tests was reported by 50.2% of the respondents, while the confidence levels were lower for the ability to manage (38.9%) and to diagnose (38.0%) HMPX cases based on their current level of knowledge and skills. Higher confidence levels for HMPX diagnosis and management were found among physicians compared to nurses. The endorsement of conspiracy beliefs about virus emergence was associated with lower HMPX knowledge, the belief in the role of male homosexuals in HMPX spread, and with lower diagnosis and management confidence levels. The current study highlighted the gaps in knowledge regarding HMPX among HCWs in Jordan as well as the lack of confidence to diagnose and manage cases among physicians and nurses. Raising the awareness about the disease is needed urgently considering the rapid escalation in the number of cases worldwide with reported cases in the Middle East. The attitude towards male homosexuals’ role in HMPX spread necessitates proper intervention measures to prevent stigma and discrimination among this risk group. The adoption of conspiratorial beliefs regarding virus emergence was widely prevalent and this issue needs to be addressed with proper and accurate knowledge considering its potential harmful impact.

The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccination to prevent influenza virus infection and to lessen its severity is recommended among healthcare workers (HCWs). Health professionals have a higher risk of exposure to viruses and could transmit the influenza virus to vulnerable patients who are prone to severe disease and mortality. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake as well as its determinants, among Jordanian HCWs over the last influenza season of 2021/2022. This study was based on a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed in March 2022. Psychological determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and vaccine conspiracy beliefs were assessed using the previously validated 5C scale questionnaire (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility) and the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale. The study sample comprised a total of 1218 HCWs: nurses (n = 412, 33.8%), physicians (n = 367, 30.1%), medical technicians (n = 182, 14.9%), pharmacists (n = 161, 13.2%) and dentists (n = 87, 7.1%), among others. About two-thirds of the study sample expressed willingness to receive influenza vaccination if provided free of charge (n = 807, 66.3%), whereas less than one-third were willing to pay for the vaccine (n = 388, 31.9%). The self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine in the last influenza season was 62.8%. The following factors were significantly associated with higher acceptance of influenza vaccination if provided freely, as opposed to vaccine hesitancy/rejection: male sex; physicians and dentists among HCW categories; higher confidence and collective responsibility; and lower complacency, constraints and calculation. Higher influenza vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with nurses and physicians among HCW categories, older age, a higher monthly income, higher confidence and collective responsibility, lower complacency and constraints and lower embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The results of the current study can provide helpful clues to improve influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs in Jordan. Consequently, this can help to protect vulnerable patient groups and reserve valuable resources in healthcare settings. Psychological determinants appeared to be the most significant factors for vaccine acceptance and uptake, whereas the embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs was associated with lower rates of influenza vaccine uptake, which should be considered in educational and interventional measures aiming to promote influenza vaccination.

COVID-19 and Digital Health: Evolution, Perspectives and Opportunities

Health Communication is key to establishing an empathic relationship between health professionals and their patients. Indeed, the ability to motivate and reassure the patient often determines the success of the therapies proposed. In the past, the relationship between health professionals and patients was centred on treatment and assistance, and health information came in the form of education campaigns based on signage (large posters, etc.). Subsequently, social and cultural changes gave rise to new ways of communicating science: from signage to magazines and television programmes devoted to health issues, through the use of social networks. In particular, fast and cheap access to the Internet and the vast number of app users have made the Web an effective communication tool. Given the potential of technology in the information-seeking process, the use of online channels by health institutions is a valuable tool for divulging medical and scientific knowledge. As a consequence, prompted by the need to provide fast and reliable information to the population, public institutions have adopted such innovative methods as the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to convey health-related content. This practice, known as digital health or e-health, provides healthcare information using digital tools (e.g., Websites and social networks), delivered in an easy-to-understand language in order to reach various population groups and bring about better health conditions for all, hence the importance of acquiring and reinforcing communication skills in the healthcare field, where correct and effective communication immediately translates into a benefit for the professionals themselves and for their patients.

Vaccine and Vaccination: On Field Research

Historically, vaccinations have enabled the eradication, elimination, and control of many debilitating diseases [...]

Controlling Infectious Risk in Transfusion: Assessing the Effectiveness of Skin Disinfection in Blood Donors

Bacterial infectious risk is a major problem in transfusion medicine. The type of micro-organisms isolated during bacterial contamination of blood products indicates that the donor’s skin is its main source. In this context, the primary measures to reduce this risk are: (a) optimal disinfection of the donor’s arm and (b) satellite bag diversion of the initial volume of blood collected. This work aimed to verify the effectiveness of skin disinfection of the blood donor’s venipuncture site. Two methodological approaches were used: (a) qualitative and quantitative microbiological testing of the skin at the collection site, before and post-disinfection; (b) qualitative microbiological testing of the first deviated blood. Pre-disinfection testing showed skin microbial load values between 3 and >200 CFU/plate. More than two-thirds of the isolates were Gram-positive bacteria (77.8%) of which 57.7% were staphylococci. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Acinetobacter spp. were isolated from the blood donors (BDs). Post-disinfection, a 100% reduction in microbial load was observed in 84.4% of BDs. Microbiological testing of the first blood diverted sample revealed the presence of microbial flora in 1.9% samples; of the isolates, 83.3% were non-aureus staphylococci. This study highlights the importance of the correct application of skin disinfection procedures in order to ensure blood safety.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Risk Awareness in Dentists: A Scoping Review

Dentists are on the frontline of infection, especially when it comes to respiratory viruses like the new coronavirus. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a scoping review to better understand dentists’ risk awareness, awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive measures, and effective methods of COVID-19 infection prevention and management. This paper systematically assesses the published literature on dentistry and COVID-19. Various electronic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE via PubMed were searched up to 9 September 2021. Overall, 39 papers were included. Almost the entirety of dentists (94.5%) reported awareness of the three most common COVID-19 symptoms, and a risk awareness score of about 90% was shown, while 88.2% of dentists reported adopting preventive measures. More than 50% did not want to treat infected people. While 70.3% of dentists recommended usage of N95 masks, the rate of dentists using them was below 40%. Sufficient awareness of risks during the pandemic was found in dentists. Although they were using preventive measures, there remains upside potential for adopting all recommended measures. Further, the usage of N95 masks is improvable, even though the benefit of wearing them could not be confirmed.

Knowledge and Behaviours towards Immunisation Programmes: Vaccine Hesitancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

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.

Drug-Related Hospital Admissions and Associated Factors among Adults Admitted to Felege Hiwot Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia

Background

A drug-related problem (DRP) is an event involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with the desired therapeutic outcome. Drug-related hospital admission (DRHA) is hospitalization due to one or more DRPs.

Objective

This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of DRHA and factors associated with it among adults admitted to the internal medicine wards of Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a previously validated tool, AT-HARM 10. Data were collected by two clinical pharmacists from July 1 to September 15, 2020. The data were entered into EpiData software (version 4.2.0.0) and then transported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) software (version 24) (IBM Corporation) for analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency and proportion. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with DRHAs with a 95% confidence level, and significance was declared at a p value <0.05.

Results

The prevalence of DRHAs was 31.9% (95% CI = 27.7%–36.4%). From this, noncompliance (37.8%) (95% CI = 29.6–45.9), untreated indication (31.9%) (95% CI = 23.7–40), and adverse drug reaction (15.6%) (95% CI = 9.6–21.5) cause the majority of DRHAs. More than a quarter (28.8%) of all admissions were preventable. Most DRHAs were moderate (76.3) and preventable (80.7%). Lower to medium Charlson comorbidity index scores, longer duration of therapy, and not having health insurance were significantly associated with DRHAs.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DRHAs was considerably high. Noncompliance, untreated indications, and adverse drug reactions were the commonest DRPs that caused DRHAs. Lower to medium Charlson comorbidity index scores, longer duration of therapy, and not having health insurance were significantly contributing factors of DRHAs. Therefore, all healthcare providers should prevent, identify, and resolve DRPs to decrease DRHAs in the hospital.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Vaccination Acceptance/Hesitancy among the Community Pharmacists of Palermo’s Province, Italy: From Influenza to COVID-19

In Italy, following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, community pharmacies (CPs) were recruited on a voluntary basis in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines as part of their activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention, and vaccine acceptance/hesitancy towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations among the community pharmacists operating in the Palermo Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with two different questionnaires administered before and after the conduction of the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 at the COVID-19 vaccination center of the Palermo University Hospital (PUH). The baseline survey showed that 64% of community pharmacists (CPs) declared that they planned to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2, and 58% were vaccinated against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Factors significantly associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination were confidence in vaccines (adjOR 1.76; CI 1.11–2.80), fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjOR 1.50; CI 1.06–2.11), considering COVID-19 vaccination to be the best strategy to counteract SARS-CoV-2 (adjOR 1.79; CI 1.39–2.29), and adherence to influenza vaccination during the 2020/2021 season (adjOR 3.25; CI 2.23–4.25). The adherence among CPs of the Palermo Province to COVID-19 vaccination was 96.5%. From the post-vaccination survey, the main reasons for changing opinions on vaccination adherence were the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, fear of contracting COVID-19, and limitations on work activities in the case of vaccine refusal. The achievement of very high COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the present study was mainly due to the mandatory vaccination policies; nevertheless, a willingness for COVID-19 vaccination was relatively high among pharmacists before the beginning of the vaccination campaign. HCPs and CPs should receive training on vaccination, which is recommended in the national immunization plan and is also suggested by the respondents in our study, in order to routinely re-evaluate their own vaccination profiles, as well as those of their patients.

Flu Vaccination Coverage and Predictors of Non-Vaccination in Military Health Corps Personnel 2016-2017 and 2019-2021

(1) Background: Vaccination is the most effective intervention to control seasonal influenza morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to determine the influenza vaccination coverage in the Military Health Corps personnel in the 2020−2021 season, as well as the time trend and the possible influence of the pandemic on coverage, in order to study the reasons that led to the non-vaccination of health professionals and to analyze adverse drug reactions (ADRs). (2) Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2021. All FAS CMS personnel were included. A self-administered questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the selected personnel. (3) Results: Vaccination coverage in the 2016−2017 season was 15.8% (n = 276), in the 2019−2020 season it was 17.41% (n = 424), and in the 2020−2021 season it was 24.22% (n = 590). The percentage of vaccinated men was higher than the percentage of women. In 2019 and 2020 the most vaccinated group was 31−40 years old. Lieutenants had the highest vaccination uptake in 2019 and 2020. The personnel with the highest uptake of vaccines were those in the specialty of nursing in each of 2016, 2019 and 2020, with >30 years of time worked in 2016. In terms of factors leading to refusal of vaccination, the most reported was “not considered a risk group” (23.0%), and the least reported was “avoidance of vaccine administration” (2.2%). Eighty individuals presented adverse reactions after vaccine administration (9.6%). (4) Conclusions: The rate of influenza vaccination among healthcare professionals was lower during the 2020 season compared to the previous season, but was expected to increase in the upcoming 2021 season.

Willingness of the Jordanian Population to Receive a COVID-19 Booster Dose: A Cross-Sectional Study

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines are critical for containing serious infections. However, as COVID-19 evolves toward more transmissible varieties and serum antibody levels in vaccinated persons steadily decline over time, the likelihood of breakthrough infections increases. This is a cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire for Jordanian adults (n = 915) to determine how individuals who have finished the current vaccination regimen feel about a prospective COVID-19 booster shot and what factors might influence their decision. Almost half of the participants (44.6%) intended to get the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The most frequently mentioned reasons for participants’ reluctance to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose were “The benefits of booster dose have not been scientifically proven” (39.8%), followed by “I took the last dose a short time ago, and there will be no need to take the booster dose for at least a year” (24.6%). In turn, “I was infected with COVID-19; thus, I do not require the booster dose” was the least reported reason (13.1%). These findings highlight the considerable hesitancy toward COVID-19 booster immunization among Jordanians, as well as the variables associated with vaccine hesitancy and the most frequently mentioned reasons for hesitancy, which will aid in creating excellent campaigns regarding booster doses.

Second Edition of Special Issue "Strategies and Evidence in Health Communication: Evidence and Perspectives"

The second edition of this Special Issue "Strategies and Evidence in Health Communication", published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health aims primarily to increase international literature evidence and observations in the field regarding: (i) health communication strategies and crisis communication, (ii) health education and health advocacy, and (iii) the fight against the phenomenon of Vaccine Hesitancy (VH) through training and communication activities targeting the general public and health professionals. This Special Issue builds on the premise that, despite the fact that theoretical and experimental research has contributed to an increase in knowledge and evidence about the importance of communication in healthcare, communication professionals in this field still face great challenges when trying to develop messages that effectively change the behavior of large groups of people. The need to relay fast and reliable information to the general public has therefore led public institutions to seek out new and innovative ways of transmitting health-related content. In particular, for some time now, Public Health has also been making use of the Internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to reach various population groups and achieve better health conditions for all. This practice, known as Digital Health or E-health, provides healthcare using digital tools (e.g., websites and social media networks) and easy-to-understand language. This is particularly important in the current pandemic context, where Public Health continues to face many problems and difficulties in persuading people to adhere to the guidelines issued for the containment of COVID-19, with particular reference to vaccination programs, hence the importance of acquiring and strengthening communication skills in healthcare, where correct and effective communication is immediately beneficial both to professionals and patients.

New Insight in Vaccination and Public Health: A Commentary from Special Issue Editors

Vaccination is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right [...].

Are People Optimistically Biased about the Risk of COVID-19 Infection? Lessons from the First Wave of the Pandemic in Europe

Unrealistic optimism, the underestimation of one's risk of experiencing harm, has been investigated extensively to understand better and predict behavioural responses to health threats. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a relative dearth of research existed in this domain regarding epidemics, which is surprising considering that this optimistic bias has been associated with a lack of engagement in protective behaviours critical in fighting twenty-first-century, emergent, infectious diseases. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by investigating whether people demonstrated optimism bias during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, how this changed over time, and whether unrealistic optimism was negatively associated with protective measures. Taking advantage of a pre-existing international participative influenza surveillance network (n = 12,378), absolute and comparative unrealistic optimism were measured at three epidemic stages (pre-, early, peak), and across four countries-France, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Despite differences in culture and health response, similar patterns were observed across all four countries. The prevalence of unrealistic optimism appears to be influenced by the particular epidemic context. Paradoxically, whereas absolute unrealistic optimism decreased over time, comparative unrealistic optimism increased, suggesting that whilst people became increasingly accurate in assessing their personal risk, they nonetheless overestimated that for others. Comparative unrealistic optimism was negatively associated with the adoption of protective behaviours, which is worrying, given that these preventive measures are critical in tackling the spread and health burden of COVID-19. It is hoped these findings will inspire further research into sociocognitive mechanisms involved in risk appraisal.