International attitudes on COVID-19 vaccination: repeat national cross-sectional surveys across 15 countries

Objective: To examine the general publics views around willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines and concerns regarding their safety. Design: Repeat cross-sectional surveys. Setting: Online surveys in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom Participants: National samples of adults aged 18 years and above in November 2020 and January 2021. Main outcomes measures: The proportion of adults reporting: willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination; concern regarding side-effects from vaccinations; concerns over contraction COVID-19, and beliefs around vaccine provision in their country. Changes between the November and January surveys are also reported. Results: Across the 15 countries, the proportion of respondents reporting they would have the COVID-19 vaccine increased from 40.7% (range: 25.0-55.1) to 55.2% (range: 34.8-77.5), proportion reporting worried about the side-effects of vaccine decreased from 53.3% (range: 42.1-66.7) to 47.9% (range: 28.0-66.1). On the second survey, willingness to receive vaccine remained low in females (49.4%, range: 30.2-79.1), aged 18-39 years (42.1%, range: 25.9-71.7), those not working or unemployed (48.9, range: 18.8-67.0), students (45.9%, range: 22.8-70.0), and those with children at home (46.5%, range: 32.4-68.9). Concerns regarding safety of vaccine remained high in females (53.7%, range: 31.8-70.4), aged 18-39 years (50.8%, range: 28.2-60.7), aged 40-64 years (51.3%, range: 30.7-68.5), those working (50.5%, range: 26.7-65.0), those not working or unemployed (53.3, range: 35.4-73.8) and those with children at home (55.8%, range: 36.5-64.7). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy decreased considerably over a relatively short time coinciding with the discovery of effective vaccines. The public remain concerned about their safety, and public health messaging will need to emphasis their safety especially amongst females, parents and younger adults.

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Acceptance Rates and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.4269/ajtmh.21-0297 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Farah Yasmin ◽

Waleed Asghar ◽

Maryam Salma Babar ◽

Hiba Khan ◽

Shoaib Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Polio Vaccination ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

To Receive ◽

Do So

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions and Differences by Sex, Age, and Education in 1,367 Community Adults in Ontario

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.719665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Sabrina K. Syan ◽

Mahmood R. Gohari ◽

Emily E. Levitt ◽

Kyla Belisario ◽

Jessica Gillard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Bachelor's Degree ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Online Assessment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

To Receive

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic and vaccination efforts may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy. The present study examined willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the associated reasons for willingness/unwillingness, and vaccine safety perceptions in a cross-sectional assessment of community adults in Ontario.Methods: One thousand three hundred sixty seven individuals (60.6% female, mean age = 37.5%) participated in this study between January 15, 2021 and February 15, 2021. Perceptions of vaccine safety and reasons for willingness/unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were investigated using an online assessment. Perceptions were investigated in general and by age, sex and education using analysis of variance.Results: Overall, 82.8% of the sample reported they were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and 17.2% reported they were unwilling. The three most common reasons for unwillingness were long-term side effects (65.5%), immediate side effects (60.5%), and lack of trust in the vaccine (55.2%). Vaccine willingness significantly differed by sex and education level, with female participants and those with less than a bachelor's degree being more likely to report unwillingness. Perception of COVID-19 vaccine safety was significantly lower (−10.3%) than vaccines in general and differed by age, sex and education, with females, older adults, and individuals with less than a bachelor's degree reporting lower perceived COVID-19 vaccine safety.Conclusion: In this sample of community adults, the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was less than one in five individuals, but with higher rates in population subgroups. Targeting public health messaging to females and individuals with less than bachelor's degree, and addressing concerns about long-term and immediate side effects may increase vaccine uptake.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness Among Acute-Care Registered Nurses in New Jersey: Results of a Statewide Survey

Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ash.2021.106 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

pp. s55-s55

Author(s):

Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz ◽

Mary Lou Manning ◽

Angela Gerolamo ◽

Mary Johansen ◽

Irina Grafova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Jersey ◽

Side Effects ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Acute Care ◽

The State ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fda Approval ◽

To Receive ◽

Seriously Ill

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is an important intervention to control the COVID-19 pandemic. As the most trusted profession integral to providing care to patients across all care settings, nurses play a critical role in educating patients regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, little is known about the readiness of registered nurses (RNs) to receive the vaccine. Methods: In October 2020, prior to FDA approval of vaccines, we conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of all active registered nurses in the state of New Jersey. The eligibility criteria included providing direct patient care in a New Jersey hospital in an emergency or an adult inpatient unit during the emergence of COVID-19 (March 2020). Results: In total, 3,027 RNs completed the survey (15% response rate). When asked whether they plan to get vaccinated, 27% of RNs responded yes, 30% responded no, and 43% were undecided. Among those RNs who reported that they were planning to get vaccinated, their main reasons for their willingness to receive the vaccine included (1) wanting to protect themselves and their families (95%), (2) wanting to protect the community at large (76%), wanting to protect their patients (75%), the belief that life won’t get back to normal until most people are vaccinated (72%), and the belief that getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting seriously ill from COVID-19 (67%). The main reasons reported for not planning to or being undecided about getting vaccinated included the belief that the vaccine will likely be developed too quickly to be safe (81%) and concern about the side effects from the vaccine (74%). RNs also reported being in a low-risk group for becoming seriously ill (12%) and having had COVID-19 (8%) as reasons for planning not to get vaccinated. In open-ended responses, participants also discussed several additional issues driving vaccine hesitancy: their lack of trust in the political process, planning to become pregnant or currently pregnant or breastfeeding, questions about effectiveness of the vaccine and long-term side effects, and the need for more information before making a decision. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study of all acute-care RNs in the State of New Jersey was conducted prior to the FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccines. The results outline factors driving vaccine hesitancy among RNs. Although vaccine efficacy data and approval by the FDA may have alleviated some of these fears, immunization programs for healthcare workers and the public should focus on dispelling myths about vaccine development and side effects.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the Public in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8836

Author(s):

Jumana Alibrahim ◽

Abdelmoneim Awad

Keyword(s):

Family Members ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Barrier ◽

The Public ◽

To Receive

Vaccine hesitancy (uncertainty or unwillingness to receive vaccinations) is a major barrier to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the long term. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the public in Kuwait, to understand their attitudes towards vaccines in general, and to identify predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4147 adults aged ≥ 18 years. The snowball sampling strategy was used for data collection through social media and e-mails. A total of 3061 (73.8%) respondents indicated that they were vaccinated or intending to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 infection, while 1086 (26.2%) expressed their vaccine hesitancy. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were the concerns about the vaccine’s possible side effects, its rushed development, and its efficacy in preventing the infection. Over half (57.2%) of respondents expressed intermediate to high levels of negative attitude towards vaccines in general. On the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the findings revealed that vaccine hesitancy was significantly more prevalent among respondents aged 30–64 years; females; married or divorced; residents of Hawalli, Al-Farwaniyah, Al-Jahra, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer; had intermediate monthly average income; non-smokers; not feeling worried about catching the infection; do not know whether any of their family members have been infected or died because of COVID-19 infection; do not have a large extent of confidence in the Kuwait health system’s ability to handle the pandemic; did not receive influenza vaccine during the last year; refused or elected to forego a doctor-recommended vaccine; did not receive adequate information from the public health authorities/healthcare providers about the COVID-19 vaccines; none of their first-degree family members received or were intending to receive the vaccine; and expressed intermediate to high levels of negative attitudes towards vaccines in general. The present findings provide a steer as to the groups that most need to be reached to increase the rates of vaccine uptake.

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Correlation between Perceived Fear of COVID-19 Infection and Demand for COVID-19 Vaccination in Thailand: A Cross Sectional Study

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research ◽

10.52403/ijshr.20210759 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 345-349

Author(s):

Sompoom Sunpaweravong

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Socioeconomic Impacts ◽

The Public ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Blood Clots ◽

Underlying Diseases

As the global COVID-19 pandemic became increasingly severe, the perceived fear of infection amongst the general population increased significantly. Many aspects of COVID-19 infection such as the ailment’s severe symptoms and risk of death contributed greatly to the collective fear surrounding this disease. The fear of infection resulted in lifestyle changes for many which in turn caused a great extent of socioeconomic impacts on both the regional and global level. Correlating closely to the fear of infection, vaccine related fear became a growing trend amongst the public. The majority of those fearing the vaccines were skeptical of its safety and risk of severe although rare side effects such as blood clots or convulsion not to mention the more common side effects such as high fevers that deterred a significant portion of the population from getting vaccinated. With these two closely related fears causing great effects on our society, our study decided to study the correlation and interaction between these two metrics. Through measuring both COVID-19 infection and vaccination fear of 351 subjects from diverse demographics, our study found many correlations between the perceived fear for COVID 19 infection, demand and reluctance for COVID 19 vaccination and other factors such as the age of the subject. Our study also took various measurements regarding the subjects involved in this study such as the subject’s age and underlying diseases that are known to augment the severity of COVID-19 symptoms such as Diabetes, underlying heart disease and lung diseases. After rigorous data analysis, the study found proportionate correlations between the levels of perceived fear of COVID-19 infection and the demand for vaccination. The demographics of participants (age and underlying diseases) were also found to have a correlative effect on the former measurements. Keywords: COVID-19 fear, vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 risk factors.

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Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines among the Saudi Population and Vaccine Uptake During the Initial Stage of the National Vaccination Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 765

Author(s):

Amel Ahmed Fayed ◽

Abeer Salem Al Shahrani ◽

Leenah Tawfiq Almanea ◽

Nardeen Ibrahim Alsweed ◽

Layla Mohammed Almarzoug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Influenza Vaccines ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

To Receive

This study aimed to assess the willingness to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza vaccines and vaccine uptake during the early stage of the national vaccination campaign in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult Saudis between 20 January and 20 March 2021. The questionnaire addressed vaccine hesitancy, perceived risk, willingness, and vaccine uptake. Approximately 39% of the participants expressed vaccine hesitancy, and 29.8% and 24% felt highly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, respectively. The majority (59.5%) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, although only 31.7% were willing to receive the flu vaccine. Adjusted analysis showed that vaccine hesitancy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.27–0.43) and the perception of being at high risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.68–4.60) independently affected the intention to be vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy was similar among those who were willing to be vaccinated (29.8%) and those who had already been vaccinated (33.1%). The perceived risk was significantly higher among those who had been vaccinated (48.1%) than among those who were willing to be vaccinated but had not yet been vaccinated (29.1%). In conclusion, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia is high. Saudis who received the vaccine had a similar level of vaccine hesitancy and a higher level of perceived risk.

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Adenovirus and RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines’ perceptions and acceptance among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048586 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e048586

Author(s):

Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽

Mazin Barry ◽

Fadi Aljamaan ◽

Abdullah Alhuzaimi ◽

Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Vectored Vaccine ◽

To Receive

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the perception, confidence, hesitancy and acceptance rate of various COVID-19 vaccine types among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, a nation with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus experience.DesignNational cross-sectional, pilot-validated questionnaire.SettingOnline, self-administered questionnaire among HCWs.ParticipantsA total of 2007 HCWs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated; 1512 (75.3%) participants completed the survey and were included in the analysis.InterventionData were collected through an online survey sent to HCWs during 1–15 November 2020. The main outcome measure was HCW acceptance of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. The associated factors of vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis and via measurement of the level of anxiety, using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale.ResultsAmong the 1512 HCWs who were included, 62.4% were women, 70.3% were between 21 and 40 years of age, and the majority (62.2%) were from tertiary hospitals. In addition, 59.5% reported knowing about at least one vaccine; 24.4% of the participants were sure about their willingness to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and 20.9% were willing to receive the RNA BNT162b2 vaccine. However, 18.3% reported that they would refuse to receive the Ad5-vectored vaccine, and 17.9% would refuse the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine. Factors that influenced the differential readiness of HCWs included their perceptions of the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing the infection (33%), their personal preferences (29%) and the vaccine’s manufacturing country (28.6%).ConclusionsAwareness by HCWs of the several COVID-19 candidate vaccines could improve their perceptions and acceptance of vaccination. Reliable sources on vaccine efficiency could improve vaccine uptake, so healthcare authorities should use reliable information to decrease vaccine hesitancy among frontline healthcare providers.

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1172. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Caregivers of Hospitalized Children

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1365 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S677-S677

Author(s):

Marisa Orbea ◽

Rachel Cunningham ◽

C Mary Healy ◽

Julie A Boom ◽

Claire Bocchini

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Hospitalized Children ◽

Parent Attitudes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Childhood Vaccines ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is hindering nationwide vaccination efforts; little is known about caregiver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance for children. We aimed to identify associations with SARS-CoV-2 VH in caregivers of hospitalized children. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 months - 18 years at a large pediatric medical institution. Parents were approached daily, averaging 4-5 days/week, from 12/8/2020--4/5/2021. VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Responses were categorized. Results 295/307 (96%) of approached caregivers enrolled; 79% were ≥ 30 years, 68% were married/ living with a partner, and 57% had at least some college. 36% identified as white, 19% Black, and 46% Hispanic/ Latino. 53% of caregiver children had public insurance. 91% of caregivers self-reported their children were up to date with routine vaccines. 17% of caregivers were vaccine-hesitant overall. 50% of caregivers were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine themselves. Figure 1 shows intention to vaccinate their child by PACV score. 65% knew someone who was hospitalized for COVID-19. 67% were scared of their child getting COVID-19. However, 49% were scared of their child getting the vaccine, 28% did not want to vaccinate their child and 27% were neutral in the intention to vaccinate their child. Caregivers who did not intend to vaccinate their child were more likely to be Black (27% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and less likely to be Hispanic/ Latino (33% vs. 49%, p=0.02). Table 1 shows attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine in caregivers who did or did not intend to vaccinate their child. Figure 1 COVID-19 vaccine uptake by PACV score Table 1 Caregiver attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusion The majority of caregivers believe that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will help control the pandemic, but less than half plan to vaccinate their children. A quarter of caregivers expressed uncertainty regarding the vaccine and therefore may be amenable to education and discussion. COVID-19 VH is different from VH towards routine vaccinations. More research is needed to address COVID-19 specific VH. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom (Shareholder)Intuitive (Shareholder)Quidel Corporation (Shareholder)Up to Date (Other Financial or Material Support, Honorarium)Vapotherm (Shareholder)

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Nursing students' attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: A cross-sectional study

10.1101/2021.05.24.21257710 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ning Jiang ◽

Baojian Wei ◽

Hua Lin ◽

Youjuan Wang ◽

Shouxia Chai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Side Effects ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

Family Members ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Academic Background ◽

To Receive

Aim: To investigate nursing students' konwledge, attitudes and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the influencing factors. Background: Vaccination is one of the effective measures to prevent COVID-19, but the vaccination acceptance varies across countries and populations. As reserve nurses, nursing students have both the professionalism of medical personnel and the special characteristics of school students, their attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may greatly affect the vaccine acceptance of the population now and in the future. But little research has been done on vaccine acceptance among nursing students. Design: A cross-sectional survey of nursing students was conducted via online questionnaires in March 2021. Methods: Descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests/one-way ANOVA (normal distribution), Mann-Whitney U tests/Kruskal-Wallis H tests (skewness distribution) and multivariate linear regression were performed. Results: The score rate of attitude, knowledge and vaccination willingness were 70.07%, 80.70% and 84.38% respectively. Attitude was significantly influenced by family economic conditions and whether a family member had been vaccinated. The main factors influencing knowledge were gender, grade and academic background. In terms of willingness, gender, academic background, visits to risk areas, whether family members were vaccinated, and whether they had side effects were significant influencing factors. Conclusions: The vaccine acceptance of nursing students was fair. Greater focus needed to be placed on the males, those of younger age, with a science background, and having low grades, as well as on students whose family members had not received the COVID-19 vaccine or had side effects from the vaccine. Targeted intervention strategies were recommended to improve vaccination rates.

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Knowledge and Attitudes on Vaccination in Southern Romanians: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8040774 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 774

Author(s):

Gabriela Loredana Popa ◽

Andrei-Alexandru Muntean ◽

Mădălina-Maria Muntean ◽

Mircea Ioan Popa

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Modern Medicine ◽

General Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Vaccination Scheme ◽

Local Reactions

Vaccines are fundamental instruments upon which all modern medicine is hinged. This has recently come into the light because of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the public regarding vaccination. To this end, a questionnaire, which was disseminated to the general population between 2017 and 2019, was used. We evaluated the responses from 1647 individuals (61% female, with a median age of 37 years, mostly from urban settings). Most respondents (85%) had children and were in favor of vaccination. Our study underlines the role that family physicians have in the education and information of citizens. A small, but considerable, number of respondents (108, 7.84% of those with children) had not vaccinated their children according to the national vaccination scheme. Deterrents were considered to be lack of information and fear of side effects. However, 167 of our respondents (12.12% out of 1377 respondents with children) said that their child experienced adverse events—most of which were mild local reactions. Alternatives to vaccination were proposed by some. In this study, we highlight the attitudes of respondents and multiple gaps in general knowledge, both of which may need to be addressed, especially in light of the current pandemic situation and past failed campaigns.

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