scholarly journals Vaccine Hesitancy and Political Populism. An Invariant Cross-European Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12953
Author(s):  
Almudena Recio-Román ◽  
Manuel Recio-Menéndez ◽  
María Victoría Román-González
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
European Perspective ◽  
Epidemic Spread ◽  
Invariant Measurement ◽  
Key Driver

Vaccine-hesitancy and political populism are positively associated across Europe: those countries in which their citizens present higher populist attitudes are those that also have higher vaccine-hesitancy rates. The same key driver fuels them: distrust in institutions, elites, and experts. The reluctance of citizens to be vaccinated fits perfectly in populist political agendas because is a source of instability that has a distinctive characteristic known as the “small pockets” issue. It means that the level at which immunization coverage needs to be maintained to be effective is so high that a small number of vaccine-hesitants have enormous adverse effects on herd immunity and epidemic spread. In pandemic and post-pandemic scenarios, vaccine-hesitancy could be used by populists as one of the most effective tools for generating distrust. This research presents an invariant measurement model applied to 27 EU + UK countries (27,524 participants) that segments the different behaviours found, and gives social-marketing recommendations for coping with the vaccine-hesitancy problem when used for generating distrust.

scholarly journals Socio-economic inequalities in timing of childhood immunizations in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Pearce ◽  
P Henery ◽  
C Cameron ◽  
R Dundas ◽  
V Katikireddi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantile Regression ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Childhood Immunization ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Childhood Immunizations ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Recall System

Abstract In Scotland, like many other European countries, childhood immunization coverage is generally high, often exceeding levels typically required to achieve herd immunity (95%): uptake of the primary vaccines (excluding rotavirus) is ∼96% (at 12month(m)), with the 1st dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) at 97% (by 5 years). However, the recommended age to receive these vaccines is 2-4m and 12-13m respectively. Delays beyond these ages may indicate vaccine hesitancy or barriers to access and can increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks, especially if clustered among certain geographical or social groups. We used quantile regression to examine the age by which 95% coverage was met in different groups. We analyzed data from the Scottish Immunisation and Recall System, for all children born in Scotland 2010-12 (n∼200,000), estimating proportions immunized ‘on time’ with the primary (by age 5m) and MMR (by 14m) vaccines. Next we used quantile regression (with 95% cut-points) to calculate the age by which 95% coverage was reached among this cohort of children, overall and according to neighbourhood deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation[SIMD] deciles). As in national reports, uptake of the primaries (at 12m) and MMR (at 5y) was >95%, with 91% and 89% immunized ‘on time’ (as defined above). Nationally, primary vaccines uptake reached 95% by age 7m. This varied by SIMD, from 6m in the least disadvantaged decile, to 9m in the most disadvantaged decile (difference 3m, CI: 2.7-3.3). Uptake of MMR reached 95% a year later than recommended (26m), with no discernible pattern by SIMD. In Scotland, the age by which immunization levels meet those typically required to achieve herd immunity may be suboptimal, particularly for MMR and (for primary vaccines) disadvantaged neighborhoods. This same approach might be used in other nations with high coverage to identify population groups that may be experiencing barriers to access and inform local intervention content

scholarly journals Are We Ready for the Arrival of the New COVID-19 Vaccinations? Great Promises and Unknown Challenges Still to Come

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Davide Gori ◽  
Chiara Reno ◽  
Daniel Remondini ◽  
Francesco Durazzi ◽  
Maria Pia Fantini
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Complex Issue ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Social ◽  
To Come ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
The Eu

While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to strike and collect its death toll throughout the globe, as of 31 January 2021, the vaccine candidates worldwide were 292, of which 70 were in clinical testing. Several vaccines have been approved worldwide, and in particular, three have been so far authorized for use in the EU. Vaccination can be, in fact, an efficient way to mitigate the devastating effect of the pandemic and offer protection to some vulnerable strata of the population (i.e., the elderly) and reduce the social and economic burden of the current crisis. Regardless, a question is still open: after vaccination availability for the public, will vaccination campaigns be effective in reaching all the strata and a sufficient number of people in order to guarantee herd immunity? In other words: after we have it, will we be able to use it? Following the trends in vaccine hesitancy in recent years, there is a growing distrust of COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, the online context and competition between pro- and anti-vaxxers show a trend in which anti-vaccination movements tend to capture the attention of those who are hesitant. Describing this context and analyzing its possible causes, what interventions or strategies could be effective to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy? Will social media trend analysis be helpful in trying to solve this complex issue? Are there perspectives for an efficient implementation of COVID-19 vaccination coverage as well as for all the other vaccinations?

scholarly journals Would Parents Get Their Children Vaccinated Against SARS-CoV-2? Rate and Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy According to a Survey over 5000 Families from Bologna, Italy

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 366
Author(s):  
Marco Montalti ◽  
Flavia Rallo ◽  
Federica Guaraldi ◽  
Lapo Bartoli ◽  
Giulia Po ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Safe School ◽  
Efficacy Trials ◽  
Adolescent Vaccination ◽  
Web Social ◽  
Mandatory Vaccination

In the near future, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trials in larger cohorts may offer the possibility to implement child and adolescent vaccination. The opening of the vaccination for these strata may play a key role in order to limit virus circulation, infection spreading towards the most vulnerable subjects, and plan safe school reopening. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) could limit the ability to reach the coverage threshold required to ensure herd immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of VH among parents/guardians toward a potentially available COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents. An online survey was performed in parents/guardians of children aged <18 years old, living in Bologna. Overall, 5054 questionnaires were collected. A vast majority (60.4%) of the parents/guardians were inclined to vaccinate, while 29.6% were still considering the opportunity, and 9.9% were hesitant. Highest vaccine hesitancy rates were detected in female parents/guardians of children aged 6–10 years, ≤29 years old, with low educational level, relying on information found in the web/social media, and disliking mandatory vaccination policies. Although preliminary, these data could help in designing target strategies to implement adherence to a vaccination campaign, with special regard to web-based information.

Association of vaccine hesitancy and immunization coverage rates in the European Union

Vaccine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Stoeckel ◽  
Charlie Carter ◽  
Benjamin A. Lyons ◽  
Jason Reifler
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Coverage Rates

scholarly journals Factors Influencing SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in a Population-Based Sample in Italy

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Marco Del Riccio ◽  
Sara Boccalini ◽  
Lisa Rigon ◽  
Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte ◽  
Giuseppe Albora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Trust In Institutions ◽  
General Adult Population ◽  
High Level

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 represents an effective and safe tool to protect the population against the disease; however, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy could be a major barrier to achieving herd immunity. Despite the severity of the current pandemic, the population’s intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is still not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among a convenience sample of the general population resident in Italy and the factors associated with hesitancy and acceptance of the vaccine in the context of the current pandemic before the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines. An anonymous online survey was diffused among a general adult population living in Italy. Participants aged 18 or older and living in Italy were considered eligible. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Overall, 7605 valid questionnaires were collected. Most of the participants (81.9%) were inclined to get vaccinated; male sex (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.71), a high level of trust in institutions (OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.04–7.83), and personal beliefs about high safety of COVID-19 vaccines (OR 56.33, 95% CI 31.57–105.87) were found to be among the significant predictors of COVID-19 acceptance. These data could help design larger studies to address the problem of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the current pandemic.

COVID-19: Are Experimental Drugs Cure or Ill?

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bensu Karahalil ◽  
Aylin Elkama
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Experimental Drugs ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
The World

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus. It is characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has quickly influenced all over the world since it spreads easily. Common symptoms are fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and muscle aches. Despite the urgent need to find an effective antiviral treatment, already available agents are being used alone or in combination all over the world. At the beginning of the pandemic, death rates of infection caused by COVID-19 are high but "is COVID-19 responsible for all deaths?", or “are there any contributions of the frequently used drugs in this period to these deaths?” Surely herd immunity plays a major role and has the contribution in the decline in mortality rates. Meanwhile, it is kept in mind that due to safety concerns, changes have also been made to the dosage and combined use of frequently used drugs. Objective: In this review, answers to two questions above and the safety of treatments, toxicities of agents involving chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopiravir/ritonavir, sarilumab, tocilizumab, siltuximab, corticosteroids and bromhexine which are the most frequently used in both Turkey and all over the world will be summarized. Conclusion: Among these drugs favipiravir seems the most promising drug due to more tolerable adverse effects. More clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to find the most effective and safe drug for COVID-19 treatment.

Understanding vaccine hesitancy: the evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 282-287
Author(s):  
Alison While
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Important Public Health ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Uk

Vaccine hesitancy is a concern both globally and within the UK. Alison While reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but its effectiveness depends upon the uptake of vaccination reaching sufficient levels to yield ‘herd’ immunity. While the majority of the UK hold positive attitudes about vaccination, some people, including health professionals, decline vaccinations. This article reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations.

scholarly journals Vaccine refusal/hesitancy—the ethical point of view

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Gentil
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Moral Conflicts ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Vaccine Refusal

Abstract Background In 2019, WHO classified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Vaccination is an area of excellence in nursing that has gained a new focus and has become a challenge in the provision of care and in the management field. Vaccine hesitation raises questions about mandatory vaccination, individual versus collective freedom that are highlighted in the current context due to the emergence of new vaccines. In this paper, we want to analyze and update knowledge about vaccines hesitancy from an ethical and bioethical perspective. Methods A combination of literature reviews on vaccine refusal/hesitancy, ethics and COVID-19 vaccine confidence, accessed on SciELO and PubMed databases and analysis of documents from General Directorate of Health and Ordem dos Enfermeiros (National Nurses Association). Results Vaccination programs aim is a collective protection. The desirable effects at individual level do not have the same ethical value at collective level, leading to cost-benefit imbalances. Moral conflicts between the individual and the collective, cost-benefit imbalances and the insufficiency of bioethics principles, lead us to the use of other moral values and principles, such as responsibility, solidarity and social justice, as a tool for ethical reflection problems related to COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions There are no perfect solutions to ethical dilemmas and some optimal solutions could depend the context. In a pandemic situation, one of the most relevant ethical issues is the herd immunity since it leaves public health at risk. Equity and the principle of justice in vaccination campaign are shown daily in the nursing profession.

scholarly journals Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Nuril Hanifah ◽  
Ike Herdiana ◽  
Rahkman Ardi
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Target Population ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Health Organization

Complete children immunization coverage in Indonesia declined from 59.2% in 2013 to 57.9% in 2016. Therefore, a study on understanding the vaccination barrier is necessary to improve future coverage. This scoping review aims to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy using the model of the World Health Organization-Strategic Advisory Group of Expert (WHO-SAGE) working group and to map them on the basis of region, target population, and vaccine. This research used publications from seven databases (Science Direct, Wiley, Scopus, SAGE, PubMed, Springer, and Taylor & Francis) from 2015 to 2020. A total of 10,212 publications were identified and filtered by employing the PRISMA method, thereby leaving 24 publications that were featured in this review. The majority of these publications is quantitative research conducted in Aceh and Yogyakarta and investigates children complete immunization, with adults and parents being the target population. The vaccine hesitancy determinants that are mentioned the most are social-economy, religion/culture/ gender, the role of health-care professionals, cost, knowledge, and awareness about vaccine, and attitude toward preventive health behavior. However, additional evidence on the influence of contextual-focus factors in various regions in Indonesia is crucial for a further understanding of the antecedent of the relationship between determinant factors and vaccination behavior.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence study in Vojvodina (Serbia) following 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 751-755
Author(s):  
Vladimir Petrovic ◽  
Zorica Seguljev ◽  
Jasminka Nedeljkovic ◽  
Mioljub Ristic
Keyword(s):  
Pandemic Influenza ◽  
Hemagglutination Inhibition ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Seroprevalence Study ◽  
Influenza A H1n1

Introduction. The seroprevalence study was performed in Vojvodina during May and June 2010 in order to asses the effects of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v epidemic on herd immunity. It was a part of the Serbian Ministry of Health funded nationwide study. Objective. Prevalence of antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v was determined in a 1% sample of the population monitored for influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections in Vojvodina through sentinel surveillance system. Methods. The study sample involved a total of 1004 inhabitants of Vojvodina. The control group consisted of randomly selected and age-adjusted 1054 sera collected in the pre-pandemic period. Sera were tested by the reaction of hemagglutination inhibition using influenza A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) antigen in dilution from 1:8 to 1:256. Antibody titers ?1:32 and ?1:8 were considered protective and diagnostic, respectively. Results. The differences between control and study sera in all age groups were significant for both diagnostic ?1/8 and protective titres ?1/32 of hemagglutination inhibition antibodies (chi square test, p<0.001). The highest percentage of seropositive subjects was registered in the age group 15-19 years followed by children aged 5-14 years. Both diagnostic and protective titres were about twice higher in the vaccinated as compared to the non-vaccinated group. There were no statistically significant differences in seroprevalence between seven districts of Vojvodina. Conclusion. The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v epidemic significantly influenced the herd immunity in our population regardless of low immunization coverage with highest immunity levels in adolescents aged 15-19 years and with similar herd immunity levels in all the regions in the province six months after the outbreak.

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