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Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Namık Kemal Tıp Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the need for surveillance of vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. Topics include ways a vaccine hesitancy surveillance systems can effectively direct interventions to address vaccine efficiency, factors that influenced vaccine hesitancy, and recommendation of the U.S. Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) to implement vaccine hesitancy surveillance systems.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore characteristics of vaccine hesitancy and behaviors among college students with disabilities. Participants and Methods: Participants consisted of 105 college students with disabilities (Mage=26.82, SD = 8.42), and a majority of participants were female (69.5%) and Hispanic (85%). Results: No demographic differences were observed in vaccine hesitancy scores in this sample. Those who do not know where to get reliable information about COVID-19 vaccination had higher scores on vaccine hesitancy than those who know how to obtain reliable information; and participants who had a negative experience with a previous vaccination also had higher scores of vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, findings demonstrated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scores were negatively associated with openness to experience personality trait and COVID-19-related perceived stress. Conclusions: Implications provide additional insight into factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among college students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs comprehensive clustering analysis to examine COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and related socio-demographic factors across U.S. counties, using the collected and curated data from Johns Hopkins University. Utilizing K-Means and hierarchical clustering, we identify five distinct clusters characterized by varying levels of vaccine hesitancy, MMR vaccination coverage, population demographics, and political affiliations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to reduce dimensionality, and key variables were selected based on their contribution to cumulative explained variance. Our analysis reveals significant geographic and demographic patterns in vaccine hesitancy, providing valuable insights for public health strategies and future pandemic responses. Geospatial analysis highlights the distribution of clusters across the United States, indicating areas with high and low vaccine hesitancy. In addition, multiple regression analyses within each cluster identify key predictors of vaccine hesitancy in corresponding U.S. county clusters, emphasizing the importance of socio-economic and demographic factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and tailored communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy across the United States and, potentially, across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccine hesitancy, a complex behavioral phenomenon, poses a significant global health threat and has gained renewed attention amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper scrutinized peer-reviewed literature on vaccine hesitancy published from 2015 to 2022, with a specific focus on behavioral perspectives, utilizing a Theories-Constructs-Variables-Contexts-Methods (TCVCM) framework. The study highlighted prominent theoretical approaches, abstract concepts, research variables, global contexts and academic techniques employed across a selected sample of 138 studies. The result is a consolidated overview of research and schematization of the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and vaccination behaviors. These include individual-level, contextual, vaccine-specific, organizational, and public-policy-related dynamics. The findings corroborated the complexity of vaccine hesitancy and emphasized the difficulties of pursuing vaccine advocacy. The analysis also identified several directions for future research, and the need to conduct more contextual studies in low- and middle-income nations to bring out the cross-cultural nuances of vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Vaccine hesitancy among immunocompromised patients is complex and not well understood. This study aimed to determine the rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients and to understand associated factors. Methods: Parents of patients (≤18 years) with cancer or post-BMT completed the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey. A COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy score (VHS-COVID) was calculated from 0 to 100 (higher scores indicating increasing hesitancy). A small group of patients (patients older than 15 years) were also surveyed directly. Results: Among 113 parent respondents, the majority were female (58%) and at least college/university educated (78%). The majority (73%) of patients had cancer (61% leukemia/lymphoma, 37% solid/CNS tumors), while 27% had received BMT for malignant and non-malignant conditions. Only 48% of patients had been vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 88% of parents. Ineligibility due to phase of cancer/BMT treatment (27%), vaccine hesitancy (24%), and age (24%) were the top three reasons for not vaccinating against COVID-19. Only 13% of parents said they would "definitely vaccinate" if their child became eligible. VHS-COVID scores were higher for parents of patients in surveillance versus active therapy (mean 61 vs. 48; p = 0.03). Parents who had received fewer COVID-19 vaccine doses (0–1 vs. ≥2) were more hesitant toward all vaccines (p = 0.0002), COVID-19 vaccines (p = 0.0003), and influenza vaccines (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy is common among this population and was demonstrated through beliefs (hesitancy scores) as well as vaccine uptake. Future work should focus on education targeting vaccine eligibility and engaging with vaccine hesitant families in the immunocompromised community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article employs a sociological and dialogical information perspective to identify what shape information literacy practice takes for people who are hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. An information perspective places information and people's relations with information at the centre of the inquiry. The study carried out 14 semi-structured interviews with UK adults who had not yet received or taken up their invitation to have the COVID-19 vaccine. Outcomes of this study suggest that information literacy practices related to vaccine hesitancy emerged through the liminal space and in relation to agentic performance, which was catalysed through engagement with experiential, corporeal and social information. This study has implications for the teaching of information literacy, in particular, the idea that being informed is an affirmative action that will automatically empower learners to make appropriate choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Believing conspiracy narratives is frequently assumed to be a major cause of vaccine hesitancy, i.e., the tendency to forgo vaccination despite its availability. In this scoping review, we synthesise and critically evaluate studies that assess i) the occurrence of vaccine-related conspiracy narratives on the internet, ii) the prevalence of belief in vaccine-related conspiracy narratives, iii) the relationship between belief in conspiracy narratives and vaccination intention or vaccination uptake, and iv) interventions that reduce the impact of conspiracy narratives on vaccination intention. In July 2022, we conducted a literature search using three databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, and Web of Science. Following the PRISMA approach, of the 500 initially identified articles, 205 were eligible and analysed. The majority of identified studies were conducted in Europe and North America, were published in 2021 and 2022, and investigated conspiracy narratives around the COVID-19 vaccination. The prevalence of belief in various vaccine-related conspiracy narratives varied greatly across studies, from 2 to 77%. We identified seven experimental studies investigating the effect of exposure to conspiracy narratives on vaccination intentions, of which six indicated a small negative effect. These findings are complemented by the evidence from over 100 correlative studies showing a significant negative relationship between conspiracy beliefs and vaccination intention or uptake. Additionally, the review identified interventions (e.g., social norm feedback, fact-checking labels, or prebunking) that decreased beliefs in vaccine-related conspiracy narratives and, in some cases, also increased vaccination intentions. Yet, these interventions had only small effects. In summary, the review revealed that vaccine-related conspiracy narratives have spread to varying degrees and can influence vaccination decisions. Causal relationships between conspiracy beliefs and vaccination intentions remain underexplored. Further, the review identified a need for more research on interventions that can reduce the impact of conspiracy narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Throughout history, vaccines have proven effective in addressing and preventing widespread outbreaks, leading to a decrease in the spread and fatality rates of infectious diseases. In a time where vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to public health, it is important to identify the intricate interplay of factors exemplified at the individual and societal levels which influence vaccination behaviours. Through this analysis, we aim to shed new light on the dynamics of vaccine hesitancy among religious groups, contributing to the broader effort to promote vaccine uptake, dispel misunderstandings, and encourage constructive dialogue with these groups. Methods: We used the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) using the 20-point checklist to guide this review. The inclusion criteria for our study were that the literature should be in English, concerned with vaccine hesitancy as the focus of study, study the impact religiosity or religious beliefs as either an outcome or control variable, concerning population levels, and be peer-reviewed. Results: We analysed 14 peer-reviewed articles that included components related to religiosity or religious beliefs and their impact on vaccine hesitancy published until September 2023. All the articles were published in approximately the last decade between 2012 and 2023, with only 4 of the articles published before 2020. Out of the 14 studies included in our review, twelve utilized quantitative methods, while the remaining two employed qualitative approaches. Among the studies included in our analysis, we found various approaches to categorizing religious belief and identity. In most studies when religion is uniformly regarded as the sole determinant of vaccine hesitancy, it consistently emerges as a significant factor in contributing to vaccine hesitancy. All studies in our review reported sociodemographic factors to some degree related to vaccine hesitancy within their sample populations. Our analysis underscored the need for nuanced approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy among religious groups. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue and driven by a myriad of individual and societal factors among which religious beliefs is commonly associated to be a driver of higher levels among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide elimination of measles and rubella is feasible, but not without overcoming the substantial challenge of vaccine hesitancy. This challenge is complicated by the spread of misinformation and disinformation fueled by rapidly progressing technologies and evolving forms of online communication. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only added further complexity to this challenge. However, considerable progress has been made in understanding the scope of the problem and the complex factors that influence vaccine hesitancy. Our understanding of evidence-based strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy has grown significantly, including evidence for effective communication and behavioral interventions. In this article, we review measles and rubella vaccines and vaccine hesitancy. We then provide an overview of evidence-based strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy, including communication strategies and behavioral interventions. This article is relevant to healthcare professionals, health system leaders, public health professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and any individuals who have a role in addressing vaccine hesitancy in their communities. Finally, we review future directions and major areas of research need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even when the COVID-19 global health emergency is declared over, vaccine hesitancy is a relevant topic that needs to be studied to ensure effective intervention when such cases arise again in the future. Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon of public doubt about whether to accept or reject vaccination. This study aims to determine the characteristics of vaccine hesitancy in Indonesian society and its relationship with the risk perception of COVID-19 and the Big Five personality traits. We also discuss how the present findings can inform future decision making on pandemic interventions. This multimethod cross-sectional study incorporated both quantitative and qualitative analyses through self-report measures and an open question. We distributed the questionnaire online through convenience sampling technique and involved 390 Indonesian citizens aged 18 - 62 years (Mage = 30.68, SD = +13.17). Through regression analyses, we found that risk perception of COVID-19, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Intellect were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Thematic analysis showed that themes of lack of confidence, convenience, and complacency were present in participants' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Demographic analysis also showed a correlation between vaccine hesitancy and economic status. Vaccination campaigns should focus on extensive education on vaccine safety that is backed by factual data, education on the risk of preventable diseases with vaccination, and increasing public confidence in government and health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has elicited polarized reactions to public health measures, fueling anti-vaccination movements worldwide which indicate that vaccine hesitancy represents a common expression of dissent. We investigate changes in cognitive (i.e., trust in government, conspiracy beliefs, vaccine attitudes, and other COVID-19-related factors) and socio-emotional factors (i.e., psychological distress and social support) over time, and examine if these factors are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A sample of Canadian young adults (N = 2,695; 18 to 40 years old) responded to an online survey in May/June 2021 (after the first vaccination campaign) and then in November 2021 (after vaccine mandates were introduced). Based on survey answers, participants were categorized as "not hesitant", "hesitant", and "do not intend to get vaccinated" at each time point. Results from generalized estimating equation models indicate that vaccination hesitancy decreased over time. The importance attributed to specific COVID-19-related factors (e.g., research and science about COVID-19 vaccines, opinions of friends and family) decreased whereas psychological distress increased over time. Cognitive and socio-emotional factors were associated with vaccine hesitancy, with participants who did not intend to get vaccinated reporting the lowest psychological distress scores. We argue that dissent may be an empowering way for young people to restore a sense of personal agency via the opposition to a system perceived as illegitimate and/or unfair. These results raise important questions about potential collateral effects of top-down government and public health interventions in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To examine the relationship between health care discrimination and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy attributed to fears of immigration status complications among unvaccinated Latino adults and to determine whether the association differs among immigrants and US-born individuals. Methods. After universal adult eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, a nationally representative sample of 12 887 adults was surveyed using online and mobile random digit dialing from May 7 to June 7, 2021. The analytic sample (n = 881) comprised unvaccinated Latino adults. We examined the association between individual and cumulative health care discrimination measures and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy assignable to immigration-related fears. Results. Using a cumulative measure of health care discrimination, each additional experience corresponded to a 28% higher odds of reporting vaccine hesitancy Because of immigration-related fears. Findings were consistent across US-born and immigrant Latino adults. Four of the 5 discriminatory experiences were positively associated with vaccine hesitancy, including the absence of optimal treatment options, denial or delayed access to necessary health care, physician communication barriers, and lack of specialist referrals. Conclusions. Findings confirm a positive association between health care discrimination and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy attributable to immigration-related fears among Latino adults, regardless of immigration status. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S6):S505–S509. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307668) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccines have been instrumental in preventing up to three million deaths globally, according to the WHO. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccine uptake has faced challenges due to vaccine issues, production difficulties, and various socio-demographic, economic, structural, and cultural factors. Objective/aim: This study examined the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among adults aged 18 and older in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 590 adults from three districts using multistage sampling. Respondents aged 18 years and above were recruited using a structured questionnaire and an interviewer-administered approach. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 16. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed through logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: A 42.5% rate of vaccine hesitancy was found. Key predictors included being an artisan (aOR = 1.99), a trader (aOR = 3.64), lacking nearby healthcare centres (aOR = 1.52), residing in rural areas (aOR = 0.41), earning less than 500 cedis (aOR = 0.57), and having a larger household size (aOR = 0.37). Not receiving information on vaccine side effects from health personnel (aOR = 5.6) was also a significant factor (p < 0.05). Conclusion: To enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake and advance towards ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3), healthcare interventions designed by health professionals should address these major predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified the significant COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and intention to uptake motives and sociodemographic predictors among vaccinated Malaysian adults. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire adapted from the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and extended based on previous studies was used to solicit data from 698 Malaysians. A theoretical framework comprising Trust, Vaccine Concerns, Unreliable Entities, Uptake Influencers, Brand Influencers, and Brand_Side-effect was used as a guide to assess intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the future. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed Trust, Vaccine Concerns, Brand_Side-effect and Uptake Influencers to significantly predict intention to receive vaccines in the future when controlled for sociodemographic correlates. Ethnicity and technology literacy were found to have significant impacts on future vaccine uptake. Age significantly correlated with intention to be vaccinated as well. Underlying motives and sociodemographic correlates were identified for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake. Plain Language Summary: COVID-19 Vaccine hesitancy and uptake This study investigated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and intention to uptake among 698 vaccinated Malaysian adults, using a self-administered online questionnaire based on the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and a theoretical framework encompassing Trust, Vaccine Concerns, Unreliable Entities, Uptake Influencers, Brand Influencers, and Brand_Side-effect. The analysis, conducted through hierarchical linear regressions, revealed significant predictors for future vaccine intention, including Trust, Vaccine Concerns, brand side effects, and Uptake Influencers, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Ethnicity, technology literacy, and age were identified as significant influencers on future vaccine uptake. This study provides insights into the underlying motives and sociodemographic correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among Malaysians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare and public health messaging in the United States. One area of focus has been vaccination uptake among Black Americans, who have experienced COVID-19 deaths disproportionate to their share of the United States population, raising questions about the processes involved in vaccination perceptions and behaviors. Guided by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing model, this study explored the roles of medical mistrust and social media as a source of risk information in Black Americans' vaccine hesitancy. Survey results from a YouGov panel sample of Black Americans (n = 1,136; 53.5% female) showed that social media use and medical mistrust were positively associated with belief in misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccine, which, in turn, was positively related to vaccine hesitancy through perceived information insufficiency and information seeking intentions. Furthermore, we found that belief in misinformation and subjective norms toward anti-vaccination also serially mediated the association between social media use and medical mistrust with vaccine hesitancy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Health behavior research suggests that perceived social norms impact health decisions. This study aimed to (a) examine reasons for vaccine hesitancy among a sample of college students compared to a clinical sample (b) examine the accuracy of perceptions of others' receptivity and intention to seek out the COVID-19 vaccine, and (c) determine whether greater self-other normative discrepancies (SODs) were associated with increased likelihood to seek out the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants. Participants included 227 students at a Northeastern private college and 140 patients seeking medical care. Methods. College students completed an online, anonymous survey. Patients completed a paper-and-pencil survey distributed at appointment check-in. Results. Compared to their perceptions of others, participants had more positive beliefs about vaccines. The most common reason prompting individuals to seek out the vaccine was to return to "normal life." Conclusions. Future research might examine use of social norms interventions to decrease vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ümraniye Pediatri Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess influenza vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy levels among youth and adults in China, as well as the association between them. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mainland China. Participants' total vaccine literacy and three sub-dimension vaccine literacy (knowledge literacy, competence literacy, and decision-making literacy) were assessed by a validated vaccine literacy scale. Having received influenza vaccination in the past three years or intending to accept it in next influenza season indicates less influenza vaccine hesitancy. Results: Among 997 participants, a sub-optimal vaccine literacy was observed, with a mean score of 66.83 ± 10.27. Regression models 1-4 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.431, P=0.039, 95% CI: 1.018~2.010) or high (aOR: 1.651, P=0.006, 95% CI: 1.157~2.354) total vaccine literacy, as well as those with high competence literacy (aOR: 1.533, P=0.017, 95% CI: 1.079~2.180), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 1.822, P=0.001, 95% CI: 1.261~2.632) were more likely to have been vaccinated against influenza at least once in past three years. However, those with a high knowledge literacy were associated with a lower influenza vaccine rate (aOR: 0.676, P=0.046, 95% CI: 0.460~0.994). Regression models 5-8 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.661, P=0.008, 95% CI: 1.142~2.414) or high total vaccine literacy (aOR: 2.645, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.774~3.942), as well as those with middle (aOR: 1.703, P=0.005, 95% CI: 1.177~2.464) or high competence literacy (aOR: 2.346, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.159~3.461), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 2.294, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.531~3.436) were more likely to express the willingness to receive the influenza vaccine in the next influenza season. Conclusion: The participants' influenza vaccine hesitancy was negatively associated with their total vaccine literacy levels and two of the three subdimensions: competence literacy and decision-making literacy. Knowledge literacy suggested a positive or no relationship with influenza vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccine hesitancy is an important public health issue referring to concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccination. Within a framework, this study aimed to assess the cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Greek version of the adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) as well as to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among a large regional population in central Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling 300 adults who had received primary healthcare services in the Health Centers and Local Health Units of the Magnesia Region from October to December 2022. The aVHS and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) were used to identify vaccine hesitancy and the dispositional level of optimism, respectively. For survey translation, the procedure of forward and backward translation was followed. Also, the aVHS was tested in a pilot study with a sample of 18 responders. Construct validity and internal consistency reliability were investigated via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine predictors for vaccine hesitancy. Factor analyses indicated that the aVHS comprises two constructs ("lack of confidence" and "risk perception") explaining 68.9% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha of the total scale was 0.884, indicating its high internal consistency. Participants who lived in rural areas, had a lower annual income, and reported a lower level of optimism showed a higher lack of confidence in vaccination. On the other hand, people aged above 45 years old who had graduated from high school or elementary school and were unemployed showed greater aversion to the risks of side effects. Finally, certain socio-demographic characteristics were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Our data suggest that the aVHS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring vaccine-related attitudes and perceptions in Greek society, providing meaningful insight into designing vaccination-related preventive interventions in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Latinx population has the second highest COVID-19 death rate among racial/ethnic groups in the United States and less than half of Latinx youth aged 5–17 years old completed their COVID-19 primary vaccination series as of September 2022. COVID-19 vaccine misinformation detrimentally impacts vaccination rates. In this study, we examined factors that predicted Latinx youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status. Methods: A community-based sample of 290 Latinx parent and adolescent dyads from a Southwestern metropolitan area of the United States who were recruited to complete an online survey at baseline at T1 (August 2020 –March 2021) and one year later. We tested a longitudinal mediation model in which we examined individual and family factors that would predict youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status over time. Results: Youth's pandemic disbelief (i.e., the belief that the COVID-19 pandemic is a conspiracy or not real) predicted greater youth's COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and in turn, a lower likelihood of youth's COVID-19 vaccination. Youth's pandemic disbelief also predicted greater parent's vaccination hesitancy which, in turn, predicted greater youth's vaccination hesitancy and a lower likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Parents' pandemic disbelief predicted their own COVID-19 hesitancy, but not youth hesitancy. Discussion: Our study findings provide initial evidence that general pandemic disbelief was a significant driver of vaccine hesitancy and vaccination among Latinx families. The study contributes to the limited research investigating COVID-19 vaccination in the Latinx community and among Latinx youth, further aiding how COVID-19 vaccine disparities can be mitigated among racial/ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popular press and academic articles alike suggest that political orientation is a primary determinant of vaccination willingness, vaccination, and vaccine word-of-mouth (i.e., sharing of information regarding vaccines). In the current article, we test the validity of these suggestions, and we also assess the differential roles of political ideology (e.g., liberal-conservative) and party affiliation (e.g., Democrat-Republican) as well as the mediating effect of vaccine hesitancy's dimensions. To do so, we perform a four-wave survey study with 223 participants that completed all waves. Our results support that political orientation indeed relates to our outcomes of interest. Our results also show that political ideology has a more pronounced effect than party affiliation, and the vaccine hesitancy dimensions of Health Risks and Healthy mediate many of these relations. From these results, we suggest many directions for future research and practice, including the integration of political discourse theories in studies on political orientations and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent resurgence of mpox highlights the urgent need for rethinking vaccination strategies globally, underscored by the painful memories of past public health crises where delayed responses and inequitable vaccine distribution exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases. The inaugural APIC-ADVA Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunization, themed "Vaccination for All: Access, Confidence and Equity (ACE)", was held in Singapore from 31 October to 1 November 2023 in an attempt to present best practices and hard-won insights from battling COVID-19 and other pandemics in the Asia-Pacific region. This summit was co-convened by the Asia-Pacific Immunization Coalition (APIC) and Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA). Local, regional, and international experts from academia, research and representatives from the Ministries of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the 2 day summit. With more than 230 speakers and delegates from over 15 countries, and 4 symposia over 2 full days, the first APIC-ADVA Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunization highlighted critical issues affecting vaccine access, confidence, and equity, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the world from existing infections and future pandemics through immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study tested potential factors that differentiated the COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant and -inclined college students and, based on these factors, identified subgroups of the vaccine-hesitant students. Participants: Participants were 1,183 U.S. college students attending four-year universities or community colleges recruited through Qualtrics between January 25 and March 3, 2021. Methods: Participants completed an online survey assessing their COVID-19 vaccination intention, perceived risks of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines, efficacy beliefs regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines, and emotions toward taking the COVID-19 vaccines. Results: Vaccine-hesitant and -inclined college students varied in their emotions, risk perceptions, and efficacy beliefs regarding the virus and the vaccines. Using these factors as indicators, vaccine-hesitant college students were classified into five latent subgroups with distinct characteristics. Conclusions: In identifying subgroups of the vaccine-hesitant college students, the study has important insights to offer regarding the design of vaccine-promotion messaging strategies targeting the college student population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VAX-TRUST project addresses vaccine hesitancy in seven European countries with a systematic and evidence-based approach. Interventions, targeting healthcare professionals, draw from behavioural and social theories. A checklist, inspired by the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication), ensures a detailed description of actions, transparency and replicability. The intervention development process begins with collaborative meetings and systematic revisions, concluding with external evaluations for replicability in diverse public health contexts. This study aims to provide valuable insights for future complex interventions in public health, based on lessons learnt to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analysis of educational interventions within the VAX-TRUST project has led to the definition of precise guidelines to ensure their replicability and adaptation to various contexts, attempting to establish a universally applicable approach. Active participant engagement and consideration of local social dynamics, beyond information transmission, have emerged as key factors to improve intervention effectiveness. Various educational tools and collaboration with academic institutions have contributed to strengthening credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common cause. Older adults are particularly at risk. However, vaccination rates in Thailand remain low. Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of vaccine refusal and its association with factors outlined in the 5C model (Confidence, Complacency, Constraints, Calculation, and Collective Responsibility) among older patients with morbidities. Setting: Study was conducted at outpatient clinic of the Department of Family Medicine, Chiang Mai University. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study. The data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire including demographic data, questionnaire in 5C model, and intention to received pneumococcal vaccine. Comparison of characteristic between vaccine refuser and non-refuser was performed by using Chi-square or a T -test. To explore the association between factors in 5C model and vaccine refusal, multiple logistic regression was performed with an adjustment for confounders. Results: From a total of 150 participants, the mean age was 69.8 ± 5.6 years old. Most of the patients were female (60.7%). The study found that 18% of the participants refused the pneumococcal vaccine. After adjusted for the confounders, the lower collective responsibility and confidence were significantly associated with vaccine refusal (Odds ratio 0.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.74, P =.015) and Odds ratio 0.43 (95% CI 0.20-0.89, P =.024), respectively. Conclusion: Strategies to enhance confidence and address complacency about vaccines are essential for improving pneumococcal vaccination coverage. This insight can be used as a guideline and policies can be formulated which are aimed at reducing pneumococcal vaccine refusal in the older adults by enhancing communication about the benefits, efficacy, and risks of vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the importance of vaccination as a pivotal strategy for controlling its spread. However, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant barrier to achieving widespread immunization in the United States. This systematic review utilizes the 5C model to examine the factors contributing to hesitancy, which include confidence in vaccines, complacency about disease risk, calculations of individual benefit, convenience of vaccination, and collective responsibility for the protection of others. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across several relevant databases and the gray literature, identifying 544 studies that used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the general U.S. population. Results: This review identifies a complex interplay of factors affecting hesitancy, such as concerns over vaccine safety and efficacy, misinformation and conspiracy theories, demographic variables, and socioeconomic conditions. Key strategies for increasing vaccine uptake include transparent and effective communication along with proactive community engagement. Conclusions: To effectively mitigate vaccine hesitancy, it is crucial to understand its multifaceted causes. Tailored interventions that consider socioeconomic and cultural contexts and prioritize clear communication, community involvement, and specific strategies to address unique concerns can enhance vaccine acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Vaccine hesitancy has been inching up and its root cause lies in the factors that influence the vaccination. The present study was conducted to find out the proportion and factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy for routine childhood vaccinations in the slum population. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 210 children between the age group of 0 and 59 months residing in the urban slums of Ranchi in 2021. Data were collected during the household visit by interviewing the parents using a predesigned pretested interview schedule which was developed based on the validated version of the vaccine hesitancy survey questionnaire originally developed by the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts' working group on vaccine hesitancy. Associations between variables were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 210 children whose parents had given consent were included in our study. The majority of the families, 188 (89.5%), were not hesitant while only 22 (10.5%) were vaccine hesitant. Tribal children and unreserved category children had adjusted odds ratio of 4.41 (95% CI, 1.61–45.46) and 7.75 (95% CI, 1.07–56.08) for the delay as against their reference category. Conclusions: Most of the children were vaccinated in our study area and the families have shown confidence in vaccines. Although there were delays in vaccination and the reasons for the delays must be addressed to prevent these vaccine-hesitant populations from turning into vaccine-refusal population. Uniformity in vaccination days in different health facilities in slum areas, appropriate antenatal information, and counseling regarding childhood vaccinations, widespread awareness, and improving mother's education can help address the issue of vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic characteristics of vaccine refusals in Malatya province, identify reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and guide future intervention efforts. Data for this descriptive study were collected through face-to-face interviews using a socio-demographic form developed by researchers, reasons for non-vaccination, and the short form of the "Turkish Vaccine Hesitancy Scale" and "Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccinations" (PACV) scales. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation test. Vaccine hesitancy was found in 86.0% of parents who did not vaccinate their children. The most common reasons for non-vaccination were "lack of confidence in vaccine content" (65.1%), "observation of side effects in others after vaccination" (19.8%), and "exposure to negative statements about vaccines on social media". As the educational level of both parents increased, nonvaccination due to a lack of confidence in vaccine content was more common. There was no relationship found between the presence of vaccine hesitancy and socio-demographic characteristics. Parents who do not vaccinate have low confidence in vaccines, and the influence of media, particularly press and social media, is significant in vaccination decision-making. Efforts should be made by both healthcare professionals and policymakers to increase confidence in vaccines and prevent access to misinformation about vaccines, thus minimizing vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and misinformation endorsement among Spanish-speaking Americans is limited. This cross-sectional study used a Spanish-language survey from May–August 2021 among 483 Spanish speakers living in the US and Puerto Rico. We applied multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variances to assess the association between independent variables and binary outcomes for vaccine acceptance versus hesitance, as well as misinformation endorsement. Vaccine acceptance was associated with COVID-19 risk perception score (PR = 1.7 high vs. low perceived risk), opinion of government transparency (PR = 2.2 very transparent vs. not transparent), and trust in vaccine information (PR = 1.8 high vs. low). There was also an interaction between time spent on social media and social media as a main source of COVID-19 information (p = 0.0484). Misinformation endorsement was associated with opinion about government transparency (PR = 0.5 moderately vs. not transparent), trust in vaccine information (PR = 0.5 high vs. low trust), social media impact on vaccine confidence (PR = 2.1 decreased vs. increased confidence), distrust vaccines (PR = 1.9 distrust vs. trust), using vaccine information from Facebook (PR = 1.4 yes vs. no), and time spent on social media by those using social media as main source of COVID-19 vaccine information (p = 0.0120). Vaccine acceptance in respondents with high misinformation endorsement scores was 0.7 times those with low scores. These findings highlight the importance of effective information dissemination, the positive role of social media, and government transparency in boosting vaccine uptake among Spanish speakers in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the significance of vaccine hesitancy in shaping vaccination outcomes. Understanding the factors underpinning COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is crucial for tailoring effective vaccination strategies. This cross-sectional study, conducted in three communities across the United States and Lebanon, employed surveys to assess respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Among the 7196 participants, comprising 6775 from the US and 422 from Lebanon, vaccine hesitancy rates were comparable at 12.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Notably, a substantial proportion of respondents harbored misconceptions, such as attributing the potential to alter DNA (86.4%) or track individuals (92.8%) to COVID-19 vaccines and believing in the virus's artificial origins (81%). US participants had more misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine, such as altering DNA or causing infertility. Lebanese participants were more likely to question the origins of the virus and the speed of vaccine development. Additionally, US respondents were less worried about infection, while Lebanese respondents were more indecisive but less likely to outright reject the vaccine. Primary determinants of hesitancy included perceptions that the vaccine poses a greater risk than the infection itself (aOR = 8.7 and 9.4, respectively) and negative recommendations from healthcare providers (aOR = 6.5 and 5.4, respectively). Conversely, positive endorsements from healthcare providers were associated with reduced hesitancy (aOR = 0.02 and 0.4, respectively). Targeting healthcare providers to dispel misinformation and elucidate COVID-19 vaccine risks holds promise for enhancing vaccination uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the mass vaccination plan represents the primary weapon to control the infection curve. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy also spread out worldwide. This led to exploring the critical factors that prevent vaccination from improving the efficacy of vaccine campaigns. In the present study, the role of the Dark Triad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) in vaccine hesitancy was investigated, considering the sequential mediating effects of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. Via a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted with 210 participants surveyed using an online questionnaire to assess the Dark Triad, vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy beliefs, risk perception, and a set of demographic and socio-cultural control variables. Results showed that conspiracy beliefs and risk perception fully mediated the association between the Dark Triad and vaccine hesitancy. This finding suggested that albeit personality accounts for individual differences in human behaviour, vaccine hesitancy is also affected by irrational and false beliefs that, in turn, weaken the risk perception associated with COVID-19. Implications and future research directions were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women frequently use the Internet to get information, and the information they receive is effective in their decision-making. It is known that pregnant women get information about COVID-19 vaccines from the Internet. This study aims to determine whether decision-making based on Internet sources during pregnancy is a predictive factor for vaccine hesitancy in pregnant women during the pandemic. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used. The data were collected by using an online survey instrument. There was a positive, moderate, and significant relationship between the self-efficacy perception sub-dimension of the internet decision-making during pregnancy scale and the risk sub-dimension of the vaccine hesitancy in pandemics scale (r:.584, p <.05) and between the self-control sub-dimension of the internet decision-making during pregnancy scale and the risk sub-dimension of the vaccine hesitancy in pandemics scale (r:.546, p <.05). The perception of self-control (β:.291) affected the lack of confidence, and the perception of self-efficacy (β:.481) affected the risk perception more than other variables. There was a relationship between internet decision-making and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in pregnant women. Health professionals, information specialists, and librarians should orient people to reliable sources about vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the distrust and hesitancy about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines among academic staff in Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at different universities in Turkey from April to June 2021. Turkish-speaking academics working as academic staff in Turkey were included. The outcomes were staff distrust of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy score levels. Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy in Turkish Language-Short Form was used to measure vaccine hesitancy score levels. The scale scored between 12 and 60; the risk of vaccine hesitancy increases as the score increases. Results: Total 932 academic staff, distrust of COVID-19 vaccines rate was observed in 560 (60.1%). Females were 0.32 times significantly less likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.92, p-value 0.014). Those with a history of influenza vaccination were 0.75 times significantly less likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.36, p-value <0.001). However, staff informed through social media were 1.51 times significantly more likely to distrust COVID-19 vaccines (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.10, p-value 0.012). Mean vaccine hesitancy score was 52.68 ±8.72. A significantly higher mean vaccine hesitancy score was found with age 51-60 years, working in health sciences, staff had no history of seasonal influenza vaccine, received information about COVID-19 vaccines from social media and social circles (p-value <0.05 respectively). Conclusion: The study found notable distrust and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines, influenced by demographics. Those with influenza vaccination history showed lower hesitancy, while social media played a crucial role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widely recognised effectiveness against the spread of COVID‐19, vaccine hesitancy persists. This systematic literature review aimed to clarify the definition and the operationalisation of the term 'vaccine hesitancy' and disclose the various psychosocial factors underlying this phenomenon. The results of studies conducted in European countries and in the United States after the vaccines became available were taken into account. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses statement. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. efinitions and measures of vaccine hesitancy differed across the studies, limiting their comparison. Nonetheless, by drawing on theoretical frameworks, we were able to identify several psychosocial variables in determining vaccine hesitancy. Our findings point to the need for a transdisciplinary approach to understanding the antecedents of vaccine hesitancy. A better understanding of the phenomenon may help to develop interventions and social policies to address a complex challenge such as vaccination hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: For public health, it is important to investigate vaccine hesitancy, determine populations reluctant for vaccines, and investigate barriers and facilitators for vaccination in these groups. This study aims to modify and validate the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale specific to adults in Turkish society. Methods: The study, which was designed as a methodological and survey type, was conducted using a Google questionnaire with 720 participants who met the inclusion criteria with a convenient sampling method. Results: After factor and reliability analysis, a 2-factor, 10-item scale with an acceptable and perfect range of fit index values emerged. It has been observed that individuals who are young, single, do not have children, have vaccine allergy, and do not believe that the vaccine will protect the society are adversely affected by the environment, and those who do not have COVID-19 and flu have a high level of hesitancy to vaccine. Conclusions: The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale is a valid and reliable tool to detect vaccine hesitation in adults in Turkish society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychosocial underpinnings of vaccine hesitancy are complex. Research is needed to pinpoint the exact reasons why people hesitate to vaccinate themselves or their children against vaccine-preventable diseases. One possible reason are concerns that arise from a misunderstanding of vaccine science. We examined the impact of scientific reasoning on vaccine hesitancy and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent through a cross-sectional study of parents of vaccine-eligible children (N = 399) at immunization clinics in Shanghai, China. We assessed the relationship between science reasoning and both vaccine hesitancy and HPV vaccine acceptance using general additive models. We found a significant association between scientific reasoning and education level, with those with less than a high school education having a significantly lower scientific reasoning that those with a college education (ß = -1.31, p-value = 0.002). However, there was little evidence of a relationship between scientific reasoning and vaccine hesitancy. Scientific reasoning therefore appears not to exert primary influence on the formation of vaccine attitudes among the respondents surveyed. We suggest that research on vaccine hesitancy continues working to identify the styles of reasoning parents engage in when determining whether or not to vaccinate their children. This research could inform the development and implementation of tailored vaccination campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Disease / Türkiye Çocuk Hastalıkları Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As information consumption plays a critical role in addressing vaccine hesitancy in the hybrid media environment, it becomes crucial to understand how individuals' use of a combination of channels and sources affects their vaccine hesitancy. Based on information repertoire approaches emphasizing the multiplicity of channels and sources, we investigated different patterns of information repertoire related to the COVID-19 pandemic and how these patterns affected vaccine hesitancy through different informational mechanisms. Our results based on a U.S. sample suggest that while a richer information repertoire related to increased confidence in vaccines through increased information verification, this richness also corresponded with deepened vaccine hesitancy through heightened cognitive elaboration and perceived information inconsistency. Our findings support the utility of repertoire approaches for better understanding health information acquisition in the complex media ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the opinions concerning vaccine hesitancy of people and influencing factors who had not received COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was carried out between February and April 2022 with individuals who were not vaccinated against COVID-19. It included 634 participants registered at a family health center in Rize, Turkey. Data were collected by telephone using a questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the R programming language was used. The Boruta algorithm was used to rank the variables associated to the reasons for not trusting the vaccine. Results: "I do not trust vaccines (67%)" is the most frequently cited reason for not being vaccinated. The most often cited reasons for not trusting vaccinations are that vaccines are produced for the benefit of foreign companies (56.2%), vaccines are ineffective (55.5%), and vaccines have not undergone sufficient scrutiny (53.2%). According to Boruta analyses, the top three variables most closely associated with not trusting COVID-19 vaccines were belief that vaccines are produced for the benefit of foreign countries/vaccines companies, imported vaccines have not undergone sufficient scrutiny, and vaccines being ineffective. Conclusions: People do not get vaccinated because they do not trust vaccinations due to concerns about their safety, effectiveness, political influences, and potential adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The study aimed to explore the reasons for nurses' coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines. METHODS: This study used descriptive, phenomenological qualitative research. The data were collected from 13 Filipino nurses using an unstructured interview questionnaire from June 2021 to October 2021. The six phases method of Braun and Clarke was used to analyze the data. The rigor or trustworthiness of the study was ensured by observing dependability, transferability, credibility, confirmability, and reflexivity. RESULTS: The study shows six significant themes; "being altruistic," "being circumspect," "vaccine brand distrust," "vaccine trauma," "perceived physical endurance," and "effects of religious belief and practice." CONCLUSION: In general, the reasons behind hesitancy on coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine were associated with their previous vaccine experiences, faith, vaccine brand distrust, altruistic behavior toward vaccines, and maintaining physical health among Filipino nurses. These are multifaceted yet exist in close relation. Therefore, these necessitate further understanding of its complexities, as they may contribute to society's outlook toward coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 is an infectious disease whose prevention is significantly aided by vaccination, which reduces both case severity and mortality. Despite the safety and efficacy of vaccines, acceptance is not universal, and understanding of the factors influencing vaccination decisions and hesitancy remains limited. This review aims to identify and analyze studies addressing two key questions: what influences the decision to vaccinate and what factors are associated with vaccine hesitancy. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Data collection utilized descriptors related to vaccine adherence and hesitancy, based on the PEO strategy of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Searches were conducted in Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Lilacs, and Web of Science, focusing on publications from 2021, the year the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved. After excluding duplicates and selecting articles based on eligibility criteria, the analysis involved data extraction and methodological quality assessment using JBI tools. Results: A total of 5268 publications were identified, with 30 included in this study. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included low education levels, social media influence, confidence in vaccine safety, and fear of side effects. In contrast, factors linked to vaccine acceptance included higher education, higher income, older age, and existing comorbidities. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted health communication and education strategies, particularly for vulnerable groups. Public health policies should incorporate these factors to enhance vaccination adherence and build public confidence in vaccine safety, which is essential for mitigating future health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed the Relative Risk Tool (RRT) to help people assess the relative risks associated with COVID-19 vaccination and infection. In May 2022 (N = 400) and November 2022 (N = 615), U.S. residents participated in a survey that included questions about the risks of vaccination and infection. In both cohorts, we found an association between relative risk perception and vaccine hesitancy. Participants in the May cohort were randomly assigned an intervention: to see information from the RRT or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After the intervention, participants answered the same questions about risk perception and vaccination intent again. The RRT was more effective than the CDC at changing risk perception and increasing vaccination intent. In November, the survey structure was the same, but the RRT was the only intervention included, and we confirmed that the RRT was effective at changing opinions in this new sample. Importantly, the RRT provided accurate information about the risks of serious adverse outcomes to vaccination and still increased vaccination intent. Our work suggests that the RRT helps people assess relative risk, which can in turn help empower them to make informed decisions and ultimately reduce vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction is presented to the article correcting errors in a previously published study titled "COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptance and informational needs in an Australian cancer population: a cross-sectional survey."

Background: As mortality declined significantly during the fourth and fifth waves compared to previous waves, the question of the future role of COVID-19 vaccination arose among both experts and the public in South Africa. Turning attention away from the general public, now considered to be at very low risk of severe COVID-19 disease, a commonly held view was that the vaccination campaign should focus only on those who remain highly vulnerable to severe disease and death from COVID-19. Primary amongst this group are patients with common chronic diseases attending hospital outpatient departments. We hypothesized that providing COVID-19 vaccinations on-site at a central hospital will increase uptake for the patients with co-morbid chronic conditions who need them most in the Omicron phase of the pandemic. Aim: Evaluate the acceptability, need, and uptake of a hospital-based vaccination site for patients attending the medical hospital outpatient departments. Objectives: To assess vaccination uptake, coverage, and hesitancy in people attending a central hospital, to determine factors associated with and influencing vaccination uptake, and to document implementation and assess acceptability of the vaccination project among staff and persons attending the hospital. Methods: Mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Of the 317 participants enrolled in the study, 229 (72%) had already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 296 participants were eligible for a first vaccination, additional vaccination, or booster vaccination according to the South African Department of Health guidelines. Of those previously vaccinated, 65% opted for an additional dose on the day it was offered (same day). Only 13 previously unvaccinated participants (15% of vaccine naïve participants) opted for vaccination, increasing vaccine coverage with at least one dose from 72% to 76%. Approximately 24% (n = 75) of all participants refused vaccination (vaccine hesitant). Variables tested for an association with vaccination status demonstrated that age reached statistical significance. Emerging themes in the qualitative analysis included perceptions of vulnerability, vaccine safety and efficacy concerns, information gaps regarding vaccinations, the value of convenience in the decision to vaccinate, and the role of health promoters. Conclusions: This study has shown that it is logistically acceptable to provide a vaccination site at a large hospital targeting patients attending outpatient services for chronic medical conditions. This service also benefits accompanying persons and hospital staff. Access and convenience of the vaccination site influence decision-making, increasing the opportunity to vaccinate. However, vaccine hesitancy is widespread with just under one-quarter of all those offered vaccinations remaining unvaccinated. Strengthening health education and patient–clinician engagement about the benefits of vaccination is essential to reach highly vulnerable populations routinely attending hospital outpatient departments with an appropriate vaccination program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the association between sociodemographic factors, views of vaccines as being an individual choice to protect oneself versus a collective choice to protect others, general vaccine hesitancy, and willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. In a sample of adults (N = 619; 33% non‐white), we showed that demographic factors explain significant variance in both vaccine hesitancy and willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. Viewing vaccines as an individual choice to protect oneself explained additional variance in vaccine hesitancy. However, people who viewed vaccines as a collective choice to protect others showed both less vaccine hesitancy and greater willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. These findings suggest that promoting prosocial attitudes about vaccinations may decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene & Experimental Biology / Türk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji is the property of Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivities has produced a multitude of models and frameworks to better understand decision-making and behavior. We extend this research to the study of a vaccination by exploring the relation of BIS and BAS sensitivities with vaccination willingness, receipt, and word-of-mouth. We also assess whether dimensions of vaccine hesitancy mediate these relations, testing whether they are viable explanatory mechanisms. By conducting a multi-wave survey study, our results support that BIS sensitivity does not meaningfully relate to vaccine hesitancy or vaccination outcomes. On the other hand, BAS sensitivity related to detrimental vaccination outcomes, and these effects were mediated by vaccine hesitancy dimensions associated with perceptions that vaccines cause health risks and are not needed for healthy individuals. Based on extant BIS and BAS theory, these results suggest that certain people may see refraining from vaccination as a nonpunishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the initial COVID-19 outbreak, Italy was the first Western country to be seriously affected by the pandemic. Understanding vaccine hesitancy can help efforts to achieve broad vaccination coverage. The objectives of this research were to determine the extent of vaccine hesitancy in Italy and to understand the characteristics of those segments of the population with some hesitancy. Between January and February 2021, 41,473 subjects answered the second questionnaire delivered in phase II of the web-based EPICOVID19 survey. Among the included adult volunteers living in Italy, 4653 (11.2%) reported having previously received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the sample of 36,820 respondents, all not vaccinated (age 51.1 ± 13.5; 59.7% female; 63.6% high level of education), the comparison between hesitant and inclined participants was accompanied by percentages and odds ratios. A total of 2449 individuals were hesitant (6.7% of the unvaccinated ones). Hesitancy was higher among women (OR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.36–1.62); it was highest in the 50–59 and 40–49 age groups and among those with a lower educational level. A higher level of education was associated with a lower proportion of hesitancy (5.54%) compared with 9.44% among respondents with a low level of education (OR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.46–0.68). Hesitancy was most common in subjects who did not report fear of infection (12.4%, OR = 4.0; 95%CI: 3.46–4.61). The results can guide the design of tailored information and communication campaigns through considering objective and subjective characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]