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14 pages, 777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptors, Refusers, and the Moveable Middle: A Qualitative Study from Central Texas

by John R. Litaker, Carlos Lopez Bray, Naomi Tamez, Wesley Durkalski and Richard Taylor

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101739 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

COVID-19 has caused excessive morbidity and mortality worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines, including the two mRNA vaccines, were developed to help mitigate COVID-19 and to move society towards herd immunity. Despite the strong efficacy and effectiveness profile of these vaccines, there remains a degree of [...] Read more.

COVID-19 has caused excessive morbidity and mortality worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines, including the two mRNA vaccines, were developed to help mitigate COVID-19 and to move society towards herd immunity. Despite the strong efficacy and effectiveness profile of these vaccines, there remains a degree of vaccine hesitancy among the population. To better understand hesitancy associated with COVID-19 vaccines and to delineate between those who are vaccine acceptors, vaccine refusers, and the moveable middle, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand respondents’ decision to receive, or not, a COVID-19 vaccine at the onset of mRNA vaccine availability in Central Texas. A total of 737 individuals responded, with 685 responses classified to one of eight domains: A: End to the Pandemic (n = 48); B: Trust in Medical Community (n = 27); C: Illness-Focused Perceptions (n = 331); D: Social Motivation (n = 54); E: Vaccine-Focused Perceptions (n = 183); F: Knowledge Gap (n = 14); G: Underlying Health Concern (n = 9); and H: Undecided (n = 19). Vaccine acceptors (n = 535) were primarily represented in domains A–E, while vaccine refusers (n = 26) were primarily represented in domains C, E, G, and H. The moveable middle (n = 124) was primarily represented by domains C–H. These findings show clear delineations between vaccine acceptors, vaccine refusers, and the moveable middle across eight domains that can assist public health professionals in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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13 pages, 410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine in Adult Polish Population—A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Katarzyna Ulaszewska, Alicja Monika Jodczyk, Piotr Długołęcki, Sara Emerla, Wiktoria Stańska, Przemysław Seweryn Kasiak, Jakub S. Gąsior, Damian Parol, Artur Mamcarz and Daniel Śliż

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101715 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2585

Abstract

Vaccinations are proven to be the most efficient in preventing COVID-19 disease. Nonetheless, some people are skeptical and hesitant. The study aimed to determine factors associated with willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Polish adult population. An online survey consisting of [...] Read more.

Vaccinations are proven to be the most efficient in preventing COVID-19 disease. Nonetheless, some people are skeptical and hesitant. The study aimed to determine factors associated with willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Polish adult population. An online survey consisting of questions regarding (1) demographic information and (2) health issues (the status of vaccination, comorbidities, receiving the flu vaccine and usage of health monitoring apps) was distributed between 13 January and 14 February 2022. Of the 7018 participants who met the study conditions, 76.89% (n = 5396) were females, 22.44% (n = 1575) were males and 0.67% (n = 47) did not specify gender. The median age was 31 years. Among them, 81.82% (n = 5742) were vaccinated and 18.18% (n = 1276) were not. 46.87% (n = 3289) had no chronic co-morbidities. Factors associated with lower odds to receive the vaccine were: being men (p = 0.02; OR = 0.83), having lower education status (p = 0.001, OR = 0.56–0.77), living in a smaller residence area (p < 0.001, OR = 0.47–0.73.), not receiving flu vaccination (p < 0.001, OR = 24.51) and not using health monitoring applications (p < 0.001, OR = 1.56). Health education and communication strategies are needed to achieve large-scale vaccine acceptability and finally herd immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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9 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Prevailing Negative Sentiments Related to COVID-19 Vaccination: Unsupervised Deep Learning of Twitter Posts over a 16 Month Period

by Qin Xiang Ng, Shu Rong Lim, Chun En Yau and Tau Ming Liew

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091457 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 2947

Abstract

Despite the demonstrated efficacy, safety, and availability of COVID-19 vaccines, efforts in global mass vaccination have been met with widespread scepticism and vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Understanding the reasons for the public’s negative opinions towards COVID-19 vaccination using Twitter may help make new [...] Read more.

Despite the demonstrated efficacy, safety, and availability of COVID-19 vaccines, efforts in global mass vaccination have been met with widespread scepticism and vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Understanding the reasons for the public’s negative opinions towards COVID-19 vaccination using Twitter may help make new headways in improving vaccine uptake. This study, therefore, examined the prevailing negative sentiments towards COVID-19 vaccination via the analysis of public twitter posts over a 16 month period. Original tweets (in English) from 1 April 2021 to 1 August 2022 were extracted. A bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT)-based model was applied, and only negative sentiments tweets were selected. Topic modelling was used, followed by manual thematic analysis performed iteratively by the study investigators, with independent reviews of the topic labels and themes. A total of 4,448,314 tweets were analysed. The analysis generated six topics and three themes related to the prevailing negative sentiments towards COVID-19 vaccination. The themes could be broadly understood as either emotional reactions to perceived invidious policies or safety and effectiveness concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccines. The themes uncovered in the present infodemiology study fit well into the increasing vaccination model, and they highlight important public conversations to be had and potential avenues for future policy intervention and campaign efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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10 pages, 1185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake during Pregnancy in Regione Lombardia, Italy: A Population-Based Study of 122,942 Pregnant Women

by Irene Cetin, Maria Mandalari, Elena Cesari, Catia Rosanna Borriello, Michele Ercolanoni and Giuseppe Preziosi

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081369 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

Italy has been one of the hardest hit countries in the European Union since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and Regione Lombardia (RL) has reported the largest number of cases in the country. This population-based retrospective study analyzed RL records of 122,942 [...] Read more.

Italy has been one of the hardest hit countries in the European Union since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and Regione Lombardia (RL) has reported the largest number of cases in the country. This population-based retrospective study analyzed RL records of 122,942 pregnant women to describe SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake in the pregnant population, to compare pregnant women vaccine uptake vs. women of childbearing age and to evaluate the impact of vaccination status in pregnant women on admissions to intensive care units during 2021. Vaccination uptake according to citizenship and educational level and the comparison between pregnant and non-pregnant women was performed by Z test. A logistic regression was performed to compare age groups. Out of 122,942 pregnant women, 79.9% were vaccinated at the end of 2021. The vaccine uptake rate was significantly lower in pregnant versus non-pregnant women but increased after the issuing of official recommendations. Vaccine administration was significantly higher among pregnant women with Italian citizenship and with a high level of education in all trimesters. In conclusion, the role of official recommendations with explicit communication about the importance and safety of vaccination in pregnancy is critical to obtain trust and acceptance among pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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15 pages, 1703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Parents towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Children, Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

by Ayed A. Shati, Saleh M. Al-Qahtani, Abdullah A. Alsabaani, Syed E. Mahmood, Youssef A. Alqahtani, Khalid M. AlQahtani, Mohammed S. Aldarami, Fahad D. AlAmri, Abdulrahman Saad Alqahtani, Abdulrahman M. AlHadi, Ausaf Ahmad and Fatima A. Riaz

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081222 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3863

Abstract

Vaccines are an important part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the attitude and perception levels of parents toward COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 0–18 years in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using [...] Read more.

Vaccines are an important part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the attitude and perception levels of parents toward COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 0–18 years in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Out of a total of 1463 parents, 30.6% assumed that COVID-19 vaccination may be more dangerous for children than adults. Nearly 36.5% parents don’t have any concern about children’s vaccination. About 12.8% of children have not received the vaccination, 55% of parents have some sort of hesitation and 32.2% of parents did not hesitate before vaccinating their children against COVID-19. Only 15.4% of parents expect that the COVID-19 vaccine affects their child’s genes. About 23.4% parents strongly agreed and 35.1% agreed about the importance of getting their children vaccinated. About 22.1% of parents strongly agreed and 33.3% agreed regarding their willingness to get their children vaccinated to prevent Coronavirus disease. More than 80% of parents recommended rushing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Health professionals and policymakers should implement and support strategies to ensure children are vaccinated for COVID-19. They also need to educate parents and families regarding childhood vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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21 pages, 1041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Percentages of Vaccination Coverage Required to Establish Herd Immunity against SARS-CoV-2

by Pedro Plans-Rubió

Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10050736 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3530

Abstract

The pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide public health challenge. The WHO has proposed to achieve 70% COVID-19 vaccination coverage in all countries by mid-2022. Nevertheless, the prevention strategy based on COVID-19 vaccination and other applied prevention measures has not been sufficient [...] Read more.

The pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide public health challenge. The WHO has proposed to achieve 70% COVID-19 vaccination coverage in all countries by mid-2022. Nevertheless, the prevention strategy based on COVID-19 vaccination and other applied prevention measures has not been sufficient to prevent SARS-CoV-2 epidemic waves. This study assessed the vaccination coverage that would be required to establish herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, taking into account virus transmissibility (R_o values from 1.1 to 10) and COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness. The study found that high percentages of vaccination coverage and high levels of vaccination effectiveness are necessary to block the transmission of Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants with greater infectious capacity. COVID-19 vaccination programs could establish herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, with R_o values ranging from 3 to 10 and levels of COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness of 70–100%. Factors reducing COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness (emergent variants, infections among vaccinated individuals, high risk individuals) and factors increasing SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility (close settings) increased the percentages of vaccination coverage that would be required to establish herd immunity. Two measures should be implemented to establish herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2: (1) achieve ≥ 90% COVID-19 vaccination coverage in all countries worldwide, and (2) increase the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing Omicron infection to at least 88%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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8 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Early Effectiveness of Four SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 among Adults Aged ≥60 Years in Vojvodina, Serbia

by Vladimir Petrović, Vladimir Vuković, Miloš Marković and Mioljub Ristić

Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030389 - 3 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3884

Abstract

Real-world evidence of the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of different COVID-19 vaccines is needed in order to better shape vaccine recommendations and policies and increase vaccine acceptance, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. We analyzed the early effectiveness of four COVID-19 vaccines, [...] Read more.

Real-world evidence of the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of different COVID-19 vaccines is needed in order to better shape vaccine recommendations and policies and increase vaccine acceptance, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. We analyzed the early effectiveness of four COVID-19 vaccines, namely BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in population aged ≥60 years for symptomatic, mild and severe COVID-19, in the period January–April 2021 in Vojvodina, a northern province of Serbia. Incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were calculated using data from the provincial COVID-19 surveillance registry, and vaccination coverage data were obtained from the nationwide registry of administered COVID-19 vaccines. During the observation period, 134,535 subjects aged ≥60 years were fully vaccinated, of whom 87.7% received BBIBP-CorV, 7.1% BNT162b2 and 5.2% Gam-COVID-Vac vaccines. The estimated VE in fully vaccinated persons was 86.9% (95% CI, 86–87.7) for BBIBP-CorV, 95% (95% CI, 92.4–96.7) for Gam-COVID-Vac and 99% (95% CI, 97.8–99.5) for BNT162b2, while VE after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was 88.6% (95% CI, 80.5–93.4). Estimates were similar when stratifying the analyses to severe and mild SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our analysis provides evidence of high early effectiveness of BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in elderly people in preventing symptomatic, severe and mild COVID-19 disease, particularly after being fully vaccinated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

15 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Young Adults’ Decision Making to Undergo COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient Preference Study

by Gleb Donin, Anna Erfányuková and Ilya Ivlev

Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10020265 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3312

Abstract

Young adults are a substantial driver of lagging vaccination against COVID-19 worldwide. We aimed to understand what vaccine or vaccination environment attributes may affect young adults’ vaccine inclination. We contacted a convenience sample of 1415 students to recruit a minimum of 150 individuals [...] Read more.

Young adults are a substantial driver of lagging vaccination against COVID-19 worldwide. We aimed to understand what vaccine or vaccination environment attributes may affect young adults’ vaccine inclination. We contacted a convenience sample of 1415 students to recruit a minimum of 150 individuals for a web-based discrete choice experiment. The respondents were asked to choose one of two hypothetical vaccines, defined by six attributes—vaccine efficacy, risk of mild side effects, protection duration, administration route, recommender, and travel time to the vaccination site. Individual preferences were calculated with the Markov chain Monte Carlo hierarchical Bayes estimation. A total of 445 individuals (mean age 24.4 years, 272 (61.1%) women) completed the survey between 22 March and 3 May 2021. Vaccine protection duration (28.3 (95% CI, 27.0–29.6)) and vaccine efficacy in preventing COVID-19 (27.5 (95% CI, 26.3–28.8)) were the most important, followed by the risk of vaccine side effects (17.3 (95% CI, 16.2–18.4)). Individuals reluctant or unsure about vaccination (21.1%) prioritized the potential for mild side effects higher and vaccine efficacy lower than the vaccine-inclined individuals. New vaccination programs that target young adults should emphasize the protection duration, low risk of vaccine side effects, and high efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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11 pages, 2285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meharry Medical College Mobile Vaccination Program: Implications for Increasing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Minority Communities in Middle Tennessee

by Donald J. Alcendor, Paul D. Juarez, Patricia Matthews-Juarez, Sheena Simon, Catherine Nash, Kirollos Lewis and Duane Smoot

Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10020211 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4237

Abstract

To end or curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to incorporate mobile vaccination programs into the national vaccination strategy. Mobile COVID-19 vaccination programs play an important role in providing comprehensive vaccination from federally qualified institutions to underserved communities facing a higher risk [...] Read more.

To end or curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to incorporate mobile vaccination programs into the national vaccination strategy. Mobile COVID-19 vaccination programs play an important role in providing comprehensive vaccination from federally qualified institutions to underserved communities facing a higher risk for COVID-19 acquisition. The Meharry Medical College COVID-19 mobile vaccine program (MMC-MVP) has provided lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines, free of charge, to communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Mobile deployment is vital for those forced to travel long distances to get vaccinated and who have limited access to medical providers or vaccine clinics, lack access to public transportation, or may be homebound. The MMC-MVP, established on 13 April 2021, via funding from the Bloomberg Foundation, is sourced with infectious disease experts, nurse practitioners, and community engagement personnel to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and information in a culturally competent manner to diverse communities in Middle Tennessee. To provide broader access to COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccine-related information, the MMC-MVP partnered with the Tennessee Community Engagement Alliance, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing COVID-19 vaccine strike teams, non-academic, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations. During the September 2021 COVID-19 surge in Tennessee, the MMC-MVP provided nearly 5000 free COVID-19 vaccinations to targeted, underserved communities. The MMC-MVP has provided vaccine equity in communities with the highest risk for acquiring COVID-19 and with greatest need in this pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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12 pages, 1077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on Daily Cases and Deaths Based on Global Vaccine Data

by Zhiwei Li, Xiangtong Liu, Mengyang Liu, Zhiyuan Wu, Yue Liu, Weiming Li, Mengmeng Liu, Xiaonan Wang, Bo Gao, Yanxia Luo, Xia Li, Lixin Tao, Wei Wang and Xiuhua Guo

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111328 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4531

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic, has caused over 216 million cases and 4.50 million deaths as of 30 August 2021. Vaccines can be regarded as one of the most powerful weapons to eliminate the pandemic, but the impact of vaccines [...] Read more.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic, has caused over 216 million cases and 4.50 million deaths as of 30 August 2021. Vaccines can be regarded as one of the most powerful weapons to eliminate the pandemic, but the impact of vaccines on daily COVID-19 cases and deaths by country is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between vaccines and daily newly confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19 in each country worldwide. Methods: Daily data on firstly vaccinated people, fully vaccinated people, new cases and new deaths of COVID-19 were collected from 187 countries. First, we used a generalized additive model (GAM) to analyze the association between daily vaccinated people and daily new cases and deaths of COVID-19. Second, a random effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the global pooled results. Results: In total, 187 countries and regions were included in the study. During the study period, 1,011,918,763 doses of vaccine were administered, 540,623,907 people received at least one dose of vaccine, and 230,501,824 people received two doses. For the relationship between vaccination and daily increasing cases of COVID-19, the results showed that daily increasing cases of COVID-19 would be reduced by 24.43% [95% CI: 18.89, 29.59] and 7.50% [95% CI: 6.18, 8.80] with 10,000 fully vaccinated people per day and at least one dose of vaccine, respectively. Daily increasing deaths of COVID-19 would be reduced by 13.32% [95% CI: 3.81, 21.89] and 2.02% [95% CI: 0.18, 4.16] with 10,000 fully vaccinated people per day and at least one dose of vaccine, respectively. Conclusions: These findings showed that vaccination can effectively reduce the new cases and deaths of COVID-19, but vaccines are not distributed fairly worldwide. There is an urgent need to accelerate the speed of vaccination and promote its fair distribution across countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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9 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Pharmacist-Administered COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Pilot Customer Survey on Satisfaction and Motivation to Get Vaccinated

by Dominik Stämpfli, Adrian Martinez-De la Torre, Elodie Simi, Sophie Du Pasquier, Jérôme Berger and Andrea M. Burden

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111320 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4879

Abstract

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Swiss health authorities approved and ordered two mRNA vaccines in 2021. The canton of Zurich was the second in Switzerland to allow community pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Moderna to the adult [...] Read more.

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Swiss health authorities approved and ordered two mRNA vaccines in 2021. The canton of Zurich was the second in Switzerland to allow community pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Moderna to the adult population. We aimed to pilot a customer satisfaction questionnaire regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Zurich pharmacies. Questions focused on satisfaction with different aspects of the service, motivation for getting the vaccination, and reasons for being vaccinated in a pharmacy. Zurich pharmacies administered 68,169 COVID-19 doses until June 2021, and 421 questionnaires were filled. Respondents’ mean age was 43.5 (±13.2) years, with 42.3% reporting being women and 46.1% being men. Of the 372 complete questionnaires, 98.7% of the respondents would have recommended the service to others. High levels of satisfaction were reported concerning pre-vaccination discussion (98.9%), pharmacies’ information level on COVID-19 vaccines (98.9%), general comfort with receiving the vaccination in a pharmacy (99.5%), injection technique (99.2%), and premises used (98.1%). Most respondents (57.3%) would have had the option of another vaccination provider, but the pharmacies were chosen for their opening hours, ease of access, and perceived trust. The availability of pharmacist-administered services may be an important contributor to a successful vaccination programme in Switzerland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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11 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Behaviors and Attitudes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination in Healthcare Workers and University Students in Italy

by Giorgia Della Polla, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Gabriella Di Giuseppe and Italo Francesco Angelillo

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111276 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2726

Abstract

The objectives of the cross-sectional study were to measure how behaviors and attitudes about preventive measures toward COVID-19 changed over time among Italian vaccinated healthcare workers and university students, and the associated characteristics. The study was carried out between February and March 2021 [...] Read more.

The objectives of the cross-sectional study were to measure how behaviors and attitudes about preventive measures toward COVID-19 changed over time among Italian vaccinated healthcare workers and university students, and the associated characteristics. The study was carried out between February and March 2021 in the city of Naples, Campania region, Southern Italy. The perceived personal risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 after the vaccination was significantly higher among males, in those having a higher perceived personal risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccination, and in those who were more concerned about the efficacy of the vaccination. The fear of getting the disease as reason to have the COVID-19 vaccination was reported more frequently in younger participants, in those with at least one chronic medical condition, in those with a higher concern about the severity of COVID-19, in those with a higher level of trust in the information received, and in those who acquired information from scientific journals. Overall, 21.3% were willing to engage the three main public health measures (wearing a mask, careful hand washing, physical distancing) after receiving the second dose of the vaccination compared to the behavior before the pandemic began. This willingness was predicted by a higher level of trust in the information received and by a lower self-rated health status. Only 0.1% of participants were willing to engage all three measures after receiving the second dose of the vaccination compared to the behavior before receiving the first dose. These findings are useful in order to develop information strategies regarding vaccine safety and efficacy and the importance of public health measures against COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

9 pages, 1426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organisational Model and Coverage of At-Home COVID-19 Vaccination in an Italian Urban Context

by Elettra Carini, Chiara Cadeddu, Carolina Castagna, Mario Cesare Nurchis, Teresa Eleonora Lanza, Adriano Grossi, Andrea Barbara, Svetlana Axelrod, on behalf of the At Home COVID-19 Vax Team, Mauro Goletti and Paolo Parente

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111256 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2421

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic called for a reorganisation of the methods for providing health services. The aim of this paper is to describe the organisational model implemented by one of Rome’s Local Health Units (LHU), ASL Roma 1, for the “at-home COVID-19 vaccination campaign” [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic called for a reorganisation of the methods for providing health services. The aim of this paper is to describe the organisational model implemented by one of Rome’s Local Health Units (LHU), ASL Roma 1, for the “at-home COVID-19 vaccination campaign” dedicated to a target population and to outline data related to vaccination coverage stratified by health districts. A cross-sectional study was designed to describe the strategies implemented by LHU to deliver at-home vaccination programmes. People eligible for the at-home vaccination programme included patients living in the area of the LHU, being assisted by the district home care centre or not transportable or individuals with social situations that make traveling difficult. Priority for vaccination was given to (I) age > 80 years, (II) ventilated patients with no age limit, (III) very seriously disabled people with no age limit. Patients’ data were acquired from regional and LHU databases. From 5 February until the 16 May, 6127 people got at least one dose of Pfizer-Biontech Comirnaty^® vaccine, while 5278 (86.14%) completed the necessary two doses. The highest number of vaccines was administered during the first week of April, reaching 1296 doses overall. The number of vaccines administered were similar across the districts. The average number of people vaccinated at home was 6 per 1000 inhabitants in the LHU. This model proved to be extremely complex but effective, reaching satisfying results in terms of vaccination coverage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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22 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Pharmaceutical Industry’s Engagement in the Global Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines: Corporate Social Responsibility of EUL Vaccine Developers

by Meekang Sung, Yangmu Huang, Yuqi Duan, Fangjing Liu, Yinzi Jin and Zhijie Zheng

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101183 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6796

Abstract

(1) Objectives: Inequality in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has brought about great challenges in terms of resolving the pandemic. Although vaccine manufacturers are undoubtedly some of the most influential players, studies on their role in global vaccine distribution have been scarce. [...] Read more.

(1) Objectives: Inequality in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has brought about great challenges in terms of resolving the pandemic. Although vaccine manufacturers are undoubtedly some of the most influential players, studies on their role in global vaccine distribution have been scarce. This study examined whether the pharmaceutical industry is acting according to the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the pandemic. (2) Methods: Three categories were used to analyze the CSR of vaccine developers. The first was research and development: effectiveness, funding, and profits were measured. The second was transparency and accountability: the transparency of clinical trials and vaccine contracts was analyzed. The final was vaccine delivery: the status of the provision of vaccines to COVAX and lower-income countries, intellectual property management, manufacturing agreements, and equitable pricing were measured. (3) Results: Vaccine developers have acquired large profits. The vaccine delivery category faces the most challenges. Participation of pharmaceutical companies through COVAX was significantly low, and most vaccine supply agreements were secretive, bilateral deals. It was not clear if companies were maintaining equitable pricing. The evaluation indicated that the companies’ CSR practices have differed during the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: Our study contributes to the methodology of assessing the CSR of vaccine developers. This would help understand the current COVID-19 vaccine distribution inequality and propose that pharmaceutical companies re-examine their roles and social responsibilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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13 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions: An Application of the Protection Motivation Theory Using a Probability Community Sample

by Kwok Kit Tong, Mu He, Anise M. S. Wu, Le Dang and Juliet Honglei Chen

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101170 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4458

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide protection against severe disease and death. However, substantial individual differences in vaccination intentions have hindered achieving optimal vaccination rates across the population. To look for efficient strategies to promote vaccination, this study tested whether the protection [...] Read more.

COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide protection against severe disease and death. However, substantial individual differences in vaccination intentions have hindered achieving optimal vaccination rates across the population. To look for efficient strategies to promote vaccination, this study tested whether the protection motivation theory (PMT), a cognitive model based upon threat and coping appraisals, would account for the differences in vaccination intentions under three scenarios (i.e., in the context of getting vaccinated in general, and in the context of high- and low- efficacy for reducing COVID-19 transmission risk). A phone survey was conducted in early 2021 and obtained a probability community sample (n = 472; 49.2% men) in Macao, China. We found that 54.0% of respondents indicated their relatively strong intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination for high-efficacy vaccines, compared to 29.5% for low-efficacy vaccines and 31.0% for vaccines in general. After adjusting for demographics, self-efficacy (i.e., the perceived capability of receiving COVID-19 vaccines) and maladaptive response reward (i.e., the perceived benefits of not receiving COVID-19 vaccines) were consistently associated with COVID-19 vaccination intentions under all three scenarios. The perceived severity of COVID-19 infection and response cost (i.e., the perceived costs of receiving COVID-19 vaccines) were significantly associated with vaccination intention for high-efficacy vaccines, while the response efficacy of lowering the COVID-19 impact with COVID-19 vaccination was positively associated with vaccination intention for general and low-efficacy vaccines. Given that the relative strength of PMT constructs depends on perceived vaccine efficacy, we recommend taking PMT constructs and vaccine efficacy into account for encouraging vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

7 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination Leads to Long-Term Protection from COVID-19 Disease

by Claudia Rossi, Paola Lanuti, Ilaria Cicalini, Domenico De Bellis, Laura Pierdomenico, Piero Del Boccio, Mirco Zucchelli, Luca Natale, Bruna Sinjari, Giulia Catitti, Simone Vespa, Pasquale Simeone, Giuseppina Bologna, Ines Bucci, Katia Falasca, Jacopo Vecchiet, Liborio Stuppia, Vincenzo De Laurenzi and Damiana Pieragostino

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101164 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3106

Abstract

The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines in preventing COVID-19 disease has been extensively demonstrated; however, it is of uttermost importance to acquire knowledge on the persistence of immune-protection both in terms of levels of neutralizing antibodies and specialized memory cells. This can provide [...] Read more.

The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines in preventing COVID-19 disease has been extensively demonstrated; however, it is of uttermost importance to acquire knowledge on the persistence of immune-protection both in terms of levels of neutralizing antibodies and specialized memory cells. This can provide important scientific basis for decisions on the need of additional vaccine doses and on when these should be administered thus resulting in an improvement in vaccination schedules. Here, we briefly report the changes in antibody levels and cellular immunity following BNT162b2 administration. We show an important fall in anti S1-Spike antibodies in BNT162b2 vaccinated subjects overtime, paralleled by a contextual consolidation of specific spike (S) T-cells, mainly of the CD8+ compartment. Contrariwise, CD4+ S-specific response shows a considerable interindividual variability. These data suggest that the well-known antibody drop in vaccinated subjects is replaced by memory cell consolidation that can protect from severe adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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21 pages, 3081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of the Experience of Care Home Managers of COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Implementation and Uptake by Residents and Staff in Care Homes in Northern Ireland

by Linda Craig, Radi Haloub, Heather Reid, Dalrene Masson, Hannah Mccalmont, Kathy Fodey, Barbara R. Conway, William J. Lattyak, Elizabeth A. Lattyak, Amie Bain, Sayer Al-Azzam and Mamoon A. Aldeyab

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101160 - 10 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2661

Abstract

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disproportionately affected people living and working in care homes. This study aimed to explore the experience of care home managers on the implementation and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination programme by residents and staff in care homes in [...] Read more.

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disproportionately affected people living and working in care homes. This study aimed to explore the experience of care home managers on the implementation and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination programme by residents and staff in care homes in Northern Ireland. An exploratory mixed methods approach was used, i.e., semi-structured interviews to design the cross-sectional survey and content analysis of statements using open ended questions. Care home managers were approached and sixty-seven valid quantitative and forty-nine descriptive responses were analysed. The study identified eight themes which described factors that motivated residents (family visits and relationship with managers and staff), and staff vaccine uptake (return to normal life at work and trust in care home managers). The identified themes also confirmed that vaccine uptake is negatively influenced by perceived side effects. The findings indicated that social media can promote or decelerate the uptake of vaccine despite the accessibility to a successful vaccination programme. The study highlights the important role of managers in handling the challenges through building trust and establishing relationships with staff and residents. The findings identified challenges to the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine by staff and residents that can inform the implementation of future vaccination programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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8 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

COVID-19 Concerns, Vaccine Acceptance and Trusted Sources of Information among Patients Cared for in a Safety-Net Health System

by Terry C. Davis, Robbie Beyl, Mohammad A. N. Bhuiyan, Adrienne B. Davis, John A. Vanchiere, Michael S. Wolf and Connie L. Arnold

Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10060928 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1908

Abstract

We examined COVID-19 concerns, vaccine acceptance, and trusted sources of information among patients in a safety-net health system in Louisiana. The participants were surveyed via structured telephone interviews over nine months in 2021. Of 204 adult participants, 65% were female, 52% were Black, [...] Read more.

We examined COVID-19 concerns, vaccine acceptance, and trusted sources of information among patients in a safety-net health system in Louisiana. The participants were surveyed via structured telephone interviews over nine months in 2021. Of 204 adult participants, 65% were female, 52% were Black, 44.6% were White, and 46.5% were rural residents. The mean age was 53 years. The participants viewed COVID-19 as a serious public health threat (8.6 on 10-point scale). Black adults were more likely to perceive the virus as a threat than White adults (9.4 vs. 7.6 p < 0.0001), urban residents more than rural (9.0 vs. 8.2 p = 0.02), females more than males (8.9 vs. 8.1 p = 0.03). The majority (66.7%) had gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, with females being more likely than males (74.7 vs. 54.5% p = 0.02). There was no difference by race or rural residence. Overall, participants reported that physicians were the most trusted source of COVID-19 vaccine information (77.6%); followed by the CDC/FDA (50.5%), State Department of Health (41.4%), pharmacists (37.1%), nurses (36.7%); only 3.8% trusted social media. All sources were more trusted among black adults than White adults except family and social media. These findings could help inform efforts to design trustworthy public health messaging and clinical communication about the virus and vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination: Considerations for Public Health and Policy)

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