Physicians’ Experience with COVID-19 Vaccination: A Survey Study

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains high in the general population and is the main determinant of low vaccination rates and of the fourth pandemic wave severity in Romania. Additional information is needed to raise awareness over vaccine efficiency and the safety profile. Objective: To assess self-reported experience related to COVID-19 vaccination in Romanian physicians. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based survey, distributed online in the period 24 March to 24 May 2021. The survey included 30 cascade questions with skip logic filters. All physicians included filled in the questionnaire voluntarily and anonymously. Not all respondents filled in all questions. Main outcome and measure: Primary outcomes addressed were related to the COVID-19 vaccine safety profile. Results: 407/467 (87.15%) of the respondents’ physicians were fully vaccinated, mostly with the Pfizer—BioNTech (Comirnaty)—BNT162b2 vaccine, with the peak of immunization in January 2021, with almost four-fifths of the study participants. Regarding COVID-19, almost 20% physicians had the infection and one declared COVID-19 re-infection. A number of 48/420 (11.42%) and 47/419 (11.22%) of the vaccinated physicians did not report any side effects after the first or second vaccine dose. However, most of the side effects reported were minor. Only 50/360 (13.88%) physicians reported the vaccine side effects on the dedicated online national platform. Approximately 40% respondents checked the anti-spike SARS-CoV2 antibodies’ titer after complete vaccination, of which two cases reported indeterminate levels. Lower anti-spike SARS-CoV2 antibodies’ titer of 100–1000 times the laboratory limit was more frequent in naive physicians (36.95% versus 14.28%, p = 0.012), moderate titers were similar, while very high levels, more than 10,000 times laboratory limit, were more frequent in physicians with previous COVID-19 infection (2.17% versus 42.85%, p < 0.001). Conclusions and relevance: In this cross-sectional survey study on the COVID-19 vaccination among Romanian physicians, we describe a safety vaccination profile among Romanian physicians.

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Parent attitudes about childhood vaccines: a vaccine hesitancy point prevalence study.

10.1101/2021.07.26.21261018 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Marshall ◽

Anne C Moore ◽

Laura J Sahm ◽

Aoife Fleming

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Vaccination Schedule ◽

Survey Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Parent Attitudes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy using Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey regarding paediatric vaccines for their children, in a population of parents attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach event in Cork, Ireland. Study design Cross-sectional survey study. Methods This study was conducted in November 2018 at the Community Festival of Science STEM event. Eligible attendees were invited to read the participant information leaflet, provide written informed consent, and complete the validated Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey. Each of the 15 PACV survey items was scored. A score ≥50 identified vaccine hesitant parents. Results A total of 105 parents participated in the study. A small number of participants (6.7%, n = 7) were identified as vaccine hesitant. There were no statistically significant differences between the vaccine hesitant and non-hesitant groups based on age, education, or number of children. Parents had concerns around vaccine side effects (36.2%, n=38) and vaccine safety (20%, n=21). Parents trusted the information they received on vaccines (85.6%, n=90) and 81.9% (n=86) believed that the vaccine schedule was good for their child. Conclusions The findings of this research indicate the presence of vaccine hesitancy in parents in Ireland regarding paediatric vaccines. Parents had concerns regarding vaccine side effects and the number of vaccines on the paediatric immunisation schedule. Further research is necessary to understand how these issues may contribute to vaccine hesitancy, and to develop evidence-based interventions to build on parents existing trust in the vaccination schedule.

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Side Effects and Perceptions Following Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccination

10.1101/2021.06.28.21258847 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Balsam Qubais ◽

Rula Al-Shahrabi ◽

Shaikha Salah Alhaj ◽

Zainab Mansour Alkokhardi ◽

Ahmed Omar Adrees

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Injection Site ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Survey Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Injection Site Pain ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Site ◽

Site Pain

Objectives Vaccines are one of the best interventions developed for eradicating COVID-19 the rapid creation of vaccinations was increased the risk of vaccine safety problems. The aim of this study to provide evidence on Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between January and April 2021 to collect data on the effects of COVID-19 vaccine among individuals in the UAE. Demographic data chronic conditions side effects of the 1st and 2nd dose toward the vaccination, and the response of unwilling taking COVID-19 vaccine were reported. Results The most common side effects of post 1st dose (less than 49 years old vs >49 years) were normal injection site pain, fatigue, and headache while pain at the vaccination site fatigue lethargy headache and tenderness were the most side effects of the post 2nd dose in both groups. All the side effects in both doses were more prevalent among the participants less than 49-year-old group. Among females vs males side effects were more common in females compared with males in both doses in both doses. The most common adverse reactions of 1st dose in (females vs males) were fatigue lethargy headache while in 2nd dose were fatigue sever injection site pain. The most common reason of not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine were the vaccines are not effective and they were not authorized to take vaccine. Conclusion The 1st and 2nd dose post-vaccination side effects were mild predictable and there were no hospitalization cases this data will help to reduce the vaccine hesitancy.

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COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities of North Carolina

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248542 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0248542

Author(s):

Irene A. Doherty ◽

William Pilkington ◽

Laurin Brown ◽

Victoria Billings ◽

Undi Hoffler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

The United States ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Underserved Communities ◽

Safety Concerns

Background In the United States, underserved communities including Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, describe attitudes related to vaccination, and identify correlates among historically marginalized populations across 9 counties in North Carolina. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey distributed at free COVID-19 testing events in underserved rural and urban communities from August 27 –December 15, 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as the response of “no” or “don’t know/not sure” to whether the participant would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. Results The sample comprised 948 participants including 27.7% Whites, 59.6% Blacks, 12.7% Latinx, and 63% female. 32% earned <$20K annually, 60% owned a computer and ~80% had internet access at home. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 68.9% including 62.7%, 74%, and 59.5% among Whites, Blacks, and Latinx, respectively. Between September and December, the largest decline in vaccine hesitancy occurred among Whites (27.5 percentage points), followed by Latinx (17.6) and only 12.0 points among Blacks. 51.2% of respondents reported vaccine safety concerns, 23.7% wanted others to get vaccinated first, and 63.1% would trust health care providers about the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors associated with hesitancy in multivariable logistic regression included being female (OR = 1.90 95%CI [1.36, 2.64]), being Black (OR = 1.68 1.16, 2.45]), calendar month (OR = 0.76 [0.63, 0.92]), safety concerns (OR = 4.28 [3.06, 5.97]), and government distrust (OR = 3.57 [2.26, 5.63]). Conclusions This study engaged the community to directly reach underserved minority populations at highest risk of COVID-19 that permitted assessment of vaccine hesitancy (which was much higher than national estimates), driven in part by distrust, and safety concerns.

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Influenza Vaccination Among Registered Nurses: Information Receipt, Knowledge, and Decision-Making at an Institution With a Multifaceted Educational Program

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/526431 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 99-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Cori L. Ofstead ◽

Sharon J. Tucker ◽

Timothy J. Beebe ◽

Gregory A. Poland

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Educational Program ◽

Medical Center ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

To Receive

Objective.To evaluate the receipt of information and knowledge about influenza and vaccination, as well as influenza vaccination status and reasons for declining vaccination, among registered nurses.Design.Cross-sectional survey of registered nurses (RNs).Setting.A large tertiary medical center with a long-standing, multifaceted influenza vaccination program and relatively high vaccination rates among employees overall (76.5%).Participants.Randomly selected group of 990 RNs employed as inpatient staff nurses at the institution.Results.The survey was completed by 513 (51.8%) of 990 RNs. Most RNs (86.7%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination during the 2005-2006 influenza season. More than 90% of RNs acknowledged exposure to educational bulletins, and most had received information about influenza severity (383 [74.7%]), transmission (398 [77.6%]), vaccine safety (416 [81.1%]), and the time and location of free vaccination (460 [89.7%]). A majority (436 [85.0%]) felt they had received all the information they needed to make good decisions about vaccination. However, only 49 RNs (9.6%) gave correct answers to more than 85% of the knowledge questions on the survey. The reasons most frequently reported for declining vaccination were doubts about the risk of influenza and the need for vaccination, concerns about vaccine effectiveness and side effects, and dislike of injections.Conclusions.RNs exposed to a longstanding, multifaceted educational program had received information about influenza vaccination, but misconceptions were common and only 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination. Strategies other than educational interventions are needed to increase influenza vaccination rates and thereby to ensure healthcare worker and patient safety.

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Determinants of Hesitancy to Childhood Immunizations in a Peri -Urban Settlement; A Case Study of Nansana Municipality, Uganda

TEXILA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ◽

10.21522/tijph.2013.09.03.art019 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 213-226

Author(s):

Amos Kijjambu

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Health Workers ◽

Information Provision ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Immunization Service ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Childhood Immunizations

Vaccine hesitancy to immunization against the childhood vaccine-preventable diseases is increasingly becoming a concern worldwide, which negatively impacts the parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children. The objective of this study was to establish the current prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and the factors that determine parent’s hesitancy to childhood immunizations in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Evaluation of the determinants of vaccine hesitancy was carried out on 344 parents of children under 24 months, using simple random sampling on pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Additionally, 2 focus group discussions with parents were also conducted. Vaccine hesitancy was found to be 27.6%. Education level (AOR=4.9, 95% CI, 2.6 -29.5, p=0.01), belief in vaccine effectiveness (AOR= 0.47, 95% CI, 0.17 – 0.97, p=0.01), health workers attitude (AOR=0.22, 95% CI, 0.06 - 0.86, p=0.03), timing of immunization service clinic (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.8 – 6.4, p=0.01) and adequate information provision (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.16 – 0.99, p=0.04), were the factors that were independently determining vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine hesitancy prevalence rate is comparatively similar to previous urban area studies. Despite parents overwhelmingly believing in vaccines protecting their children from vaccine-preventable disease, these same parents, express concerns regarding timing of the clinic and the side effects of vaccines. There is a need to improve on communication and information flow to address the many vaccine safety concerns, such as side effects. Keywords: Childhood, Determinants, Hesitancy, Immunization, Urban.

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Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

F Algabbani ◽

A Algabbani

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Providers ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Web Based ◽

Global Health Issue ◽

Vaccine Confidence ◽

And Control

Abstract Public trust in vaccines is a major global health issue. This study aims to assess the vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers and their confidence and hesitancy of the COVID19 vaccine. This was a multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted among healthcare providers in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Data collection was carried out between October and November of 2020 through a web-based survey. COVID19 vaccine hesitancy was assessed using eight structured items adapted from the 5Cs. About 34.6% (95% CI: 27.6%-42.4%) of participants were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19 and 44% (95% CI: 36.5%-51.9%) will recommend the vaccine to their patients. About 45% of participants were neutral regarding vaccine safety and 40% were neutral regarding vaccine effectiveness. Almost 70% believe that the duration of clinical studies of the COVID-19 vaccines affects their confidence in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. Those who never hesitated or delayed taking any of the recommended vaccination were more likely to be willing to vaccinate COVID-19 (OR 5.46, 95% CI: 2.49-11.98). Assessing the level of vaccine confidence in the population and associated factors will help implement an effective national vaccine program to enhance vaccination uptake and control COVID19 spread during this pandemic. Key messages Vaccine hesitancy is challenging vaccination goals at the national and global level. Hesitancy from the population toward vaccine and concerns regarding its safety and efficacy was observed with the development of a novel vaccine for COVID19 a newly emerged infection.

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Qatar Healthcare Workers' COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Attitudes: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.727748 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Rajeev Kumar ◽

Majid Alabdulla ◽

Nahid M. Elhassan ◽

Shuja Mohd Reagu

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

Safety Education ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Attitudinal Factors ◽

Study Participants

Introduction: Healthcare workers are the critical frontline workforce of the COVD-19 pandemic and are considered a target group for vaccination. Hesitancy to vaccinate is a major concern that can jeopardize the vaccination programme. The hesitancy rates in the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) vary globally, and more importantly, hesitancy in HCWs is of particular concern, as it can influence the wider population.Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the vaccine hesitancy rate and its sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the HCWs in the state of Qatar. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey using a validated hesitancy measurement tool between October 15 and November 15, 2020. A total of 7,821 adults above the age of 18 years out of the 2.3 million adult Qatari residents completed the survey. While majority of the participants were from the general public, 1,546 participants were HCWs. Sociodemographic data, along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID-19 vaccination, were collected from the respondents.Results: We found that 12.9% of the study participants showed vaccine hesitancy, defined as definitely or probably will not take the vaccine if offered, and 25.31% reported that they were unsure about the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Female respondents were more hesitant toward the vaccine. Safety and efficacy concerns of vaccine were the significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The primary predictor for vaccine acceptance was a better understanding of the disease and vaccine.Discussion: Overall, 1 in 8 HCWs were reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly due to concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. Education about the vaccine's safety and efficacy can potentially improve acceptance among healthcare workers.

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Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions in Eastern Zimbabwe: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1109

Author(s):

Lauren McAbee ◽

Oscar Tapera ◽

Mufaro Kanyangarara

Keyword(s):

Herd Immunity ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Attitudes And Behaviors ◽

And Behaviors

Vaccines are one of the most effective public health strategies to protect against infectious diseases, yet vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a global health threat. Understanding COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes and their association with vaccine intentions can help the targeting of strategies to increase vaccination uptake and achieve herd immunity. The goal of this study was to assess COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intentions among heads of households in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2021 among 551 randomly selected households. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines. More than half (55.7%) of the respondents reported intending to vaccinate themselves or their households. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the likelihood of vaccine intentions was most strongly associated with confidence in vaccine safety. Additionally, the odds of intending to get vaccinated were significantly higher among heads of households who were male, had a higher level of education, and identified vaccination and face mask usage as prevention measures. Among perceived motivators to vaccinate, recommendations from the World Health Organization and availability of the vaccine free of charge increased the likelihood of vaccine intentions, while country of vaccine manufacturer posed a barrier to vaccine intentions. As the vaccine rollout in Zimbabwe continues, efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage and achieve herd immunity should target females and less educated populations and be tailored to address concerns about vaccine safety and country of manufacturer.

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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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SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Sample of US Adults: Role of Perceived Satisfaction With Health, Access to Healthcare, and Attention to COVID-19 News

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.665724 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Bauerle Bass ◽

Maureen Wilson-Genderson ◽

Dina T. Garcia ◽

Aderonke A. Akinkugbe ◽

Maghboeba Mosavel

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

New York ◽

San Francisco ◽

Healthcare Access ◽

The United States ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates

Understanding which communities are most likely to be vaccine hesitant is necessary to increase vaccination rates to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This cross-sectional survey of adults (n = 501) from three cities in the United States (Miami, FL, New York City, NY, San Francisco, CA) assessed the role of satisfaction with health and healthcare access and consumption of COVID-19 news, previously un-studied variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Multilevel logistic regression tested the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and study variables. Thirteen percent indicated they would not get vaccinated. Black race (OR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.38–5.3), income (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.50–0.83), inattention to COVID-19 news (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.5), satisfaction with health (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.99), and healthcare access (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.7) were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Public health officials should consider these variables when designing public health communication about the vaccine to ensure better uptake.

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