scholarly journals Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Nurses Need To Know

Author(s):  
Blima Marcus ◽  
Lindsey Danielson ◽  
Tamar Frenkel

In late 2019 a new virus emerged from China which would become the worst pandemic the world had experienced since the flu pandemic of 1918. Over one year later, the virus has infected over 100 million people and claimed the lives of over 2 million people. In this article, we first offer a brief overview about the COVID-19 pandemic. We review efforts to slow the spread and flatten the curve to contain the disease such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and testing. Unprecedented funding and collaborative efforts have resulted in highly effective and safe vaccines, rolled out in December 2020. We also briefly discuss the history of vaccine development and previous outbreaks and lessons learned, followed by new vaccine technologies; barriers related to vaccination; vaccine hesitancy; successful vaccination programs; and vaccine hesitancy in healthcare providers. We conclude with implications for nurses to consider as they serve as trusted sources of vaccine information in their roles as frontline workers.

Author(s):  
Seth C Kalichman ◽  
Lisa A Eaton ◽  
Valerie A Earnshaw ◽  
Natalie Brousseau

Abstract Background The unprecedented rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines has faced SARS-CoV- (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy, which is partially fueled by the misinformation and conspiracy theories propagated by anti-vaccine groups on social media. Research is needed to better understand the early COVID-19 anti-vaccine activities on social media. Methods This study chronicles the social media posts concerning COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines by leading anti-vaccine groups (Dr Tenpenny on Vaccines, the National Vaccine Information Center [NVIC] the Vaccination Information Network [VINE]) and Vaccine Machine in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic (February–May 2020). Results Analysis of 2060 Facebook posts showed that anti-vaccine groups were discussing COVID-19 in the first week of February 2020 and were specifically discussing COVID-19 vaccines by mid-February 2020. COVID-19 posts by NVIC were more widely disseminated and showed greater influence than non-COVID-19 posts. Early COVID-19 posts concerned mistrust of vaccine safety and conspiracy theories. Conclusion Major anti-vaccine groups were sowing seeds of doubt on Facebook weeks before the US government launched its vaccine development program ‘Operation Warp Speed’. Early anti-vaccine misinformation campaigns outpaced public health messaging and hampered the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.


Author(s):  
Abolfazl Mollalo ◽  
Moosa Tatar

Vaccine hesitancy refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccine services. Despite the efforts of United States healthcare providers to vaccinate the bulk of its population, vaccine hesitancy is still a severe challenge that has led to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases to over 100,000 people during early August 2021. To our knowledge, there are limited nationwide studies that examined the spatial distribution of vaccination rates, mainly based on the social vulnerability index (SVI). In this study, we compiled a database of the percentage of fully vaccinated people at the county scale across the continental United States as of 29 July 2021, along with SVI data as potential significant covariates. We further employed multiscale geographically weighted regression to model spatial nonstationarity of vaccination rates. Our findings indicated that the model could explain over 79% of the variance of vaccination rate based on Per capita income and Minority (%) (with positive impacts), and Age 17 and younger (%), Mobile homes (%), and Uninsured people (%) (with negative effects). However, the impact of each covariate varied for different counties due to using separate optimal bandwidths. This timely study can serve as a geospatial reference to support public health decision-makers in forming region-specific policies in monitoring vaccination programs from a geographic perspective.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Kobayashi ◽  
Yuka Nishina ◽  
Hana Tomoi ◽  
Ko Harada ◽  
Kyuto Tanaka ◽  
...  

Background: Few studies have assessed how mobile messenger apps affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We created a COVID-19 vaccine information chatbot in a popular messenger app in Japan to answer commonly asked questions. Methods: LINE is the most popular messenger app in Japan. Corowa-kun, a free chatbot, was created in LINE on February 6, 2021. Corowa-kun provides instant, automated answers to frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine questions. In addition, a cross-sectional survey assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was conducted via Corowa-kun during April 5 to 12, 2021. Results: A total of 59,676 persons used Corowa-kun during February to April 2021. Of them, 10,192 users (17%) participated in the survey. Median age was 55 years (range 16 to 97), and most were female (74%). Intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 59% to 80% after using Corowa-kun (p < 0.01). Overall, 20% remained hesitant: 16% (1,675) were unsure, and 4% (364) did not intend to be vaccinated. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were: age 16 to 34 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 3.0-4.6, compared to age ≥ 65), female sex (OR = 2.4, Cl: 2.1-2.8), and history of another vaccine side-effect (OR = 2.5, Cl: 2.2-2.9). Being a physician (OR = 0.2, Cl: 0.1-0.4) and having received a flu vaccine the prior season (OR = 0.4, Cl: 0.3-0.4) were protective. Conclusions: Corowa-kun reduced vaccine hesitancy by providing COVID-19 vaccine information in a messenger app. Mobile messenger apps could be leveraged to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 665
Author(s):  
Reem Al-Mulla ◽  
Marawan Abu-Madi ◽  
Qusai M. Talafha ◽  
Reema F. Tayyem ◽  
Atiyeh M. Abdallah

Even though vaccination programs have now started in earnest across the globe and in Qatar, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to effectively tackling the pandemic. Many factors influence willingness to take vaccines including safety, efficacy, and side effects. Given their proximity to research and education, university students and employees represent an interesting cohort in which to investigate vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Qatar University employees and students towards the COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 231 employees and 231 students participated in an online cross-sectional study in February 2021. Of the sample, 62.6% were willing to take a vaccine against COVID-19. Participants with or taking postgraduate degrees were more willing to take the vaccine compared to participants with or taking a diploma or bachelor’s degree (p < 0.001). Males had a higher rate of vaccine acceptance (p < 0.001). In the group that regarded flu vaccination as important, 13% were unwilling to take COVID-19 vaccine. There were no associations between willingness to vaccinate and vaccine/virus knowledge and social media use. Participants showed a high level of concern regarding vaccine side effects in themselves or their children. Two-thirds agreed or strongly agreed that they would take the vaccine if it was mandatory for international travel. Our participants were neutral to the origin of vaccine development. These findings, which represent data collected after the start of the national vaccination program, show that vaccine hesitancy persists in the Qatari population and that some groups, such as undergraduate students, could benefit from specific, targeted public health campaigns.


Author(s):  
Blima Marcus

Immunization is widely lauded as the greatest achievement in public health. However, vaccination rates have been dropping in developed countries due to vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy has been listed by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten threats to global health for 2019. During a recent measles outbreak in New York, a group of nurses became ambassadors for immunization, bringing evidence-based health information to the Orthodox Jewish community in a culturally-sensitive manner that was known as the Engaging in Medical Education with Sensitivity (EMES) Initiative. Using a grassroots community-based approach, healthcare providers countered widely-distributed misinformation using evidence and empathy. This article will provide useful tips to address vaccine hesitancy through effective communication and evidence-based answers to common and uncommon vaccine myths for communities and discuss implications for nurses faced with vaccine hesitancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 872-887
Author(s):  
Ishan Garg ◽  
Hamza Hanif ◽  
Nismat Javed ◽  
Ramsha Abbas ◽  
Samir Mirza ◽  
...  

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) people. Despite developing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, LGBTQ+ communities still faces challenges due to inequitable access and vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy is a delay in the acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. Various studies have explored and tried to address factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. However, the LGBTQ+ population remains under- and misrepresented in many of these studies. According to the few studies that have focused on the LGBTQ+ population, several factors influencing vaccine hesitancy have been identified, with the most common factors in studies being concern about vaccine safety, vaccine efficacy, and history of bad experiences with healthcare providers. In order to rebuild the confidence of LGBTQ+ people in vaccines, governments, healthcare policymakers, and healthcare providers need to start by acknowledging, and then resolving, these disparities; building trust; dismantling systemic suppression and discrimination; and prioritizing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in research studies and public health policies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luthfi Azizatunnisa’ ◽  
Utsamani Cintyamena ◽  
Yodi Mahendradhata ◽  
Riris Andono Ahmad

Abstract Background: Sustaining an effective evidence-based health intervention will maximize its impact in public health. Political and governmental reforms impact immunization program sustainability both positively and negatively. This study aims to explore sustainability of polio immunization in a decentralized health system taking lessons learned from a polio eradication initiative in Indonesia.Methods: We collected qualitative data through in-depth interviews with 27 key informants in from various backgrounds at district, provincial, and national levels, consisting of frontline workers, managers and NGOs at national and sub-national level. We conducted thematic analysis and triangulated using document reviews. We also conducted member checking and peer debriefing to ensure trustworthiness. Results: Competing priority was identified as the major challenge to sustain government commitment for polio immunization and AFP surveillance during the transition toward a decentralized health system. Variation of local government capacities has also affected immunization delivery and commitment at sub-national level government. The government reform has led to a more democratic society, which is also conducive for rejection and vaccine hesitancy. Multi sector partnership has been identified to play a big role in maintaining polio immunization coverage. Strong and continuous advocacy and campaign are essential to raise awareness for the community and policy makers to maintain the high polio immunization coverage. Conclusion: Competing priority was the major factor that affected high coverage of polio immunization during the decentralization transition. Strong advocacy is needed at every level, from district to national level, to keep polio immunization prioritized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 215-238
Author(s):  
Marko Uibu ◽  

Vaccine hesitancy as a great health risk is related to trust in healthcare providers’ recommendations and provider-parent interaction. The negative image of doctors and their motives may hinder open communication and trustful relationship. As the role of the internet as a source for health information and emotional support has become significant, social media discussions about health and medicine provide valuable opportunities to observe the formation of critical attitudes towards doctors and medicine. This article examines representations of medical specialists in an Estonian vaccine-critical public Facebook group. On the forum, doctors are depicted as dumb and blind believers who operate in a wrong paradigm and are not able to see the full and accurate picture of “real health”. According to the group rhetoric, doctors’ willingness to help parents and children is limited as they depend on a broader exploitive medical system or Big Pharma. As medical specialists are not trustworthy and do not take any responsibility, parents feel that they must closely control all the actions. The group members believe that it is better not tell the truth to doctors and, if necessary, to threaten them with law enforcement. Many of the forum posts are very emotional, illustrating the heavy burden parents perceive in taking vaccine-related decisions. The ridiculing of medical specialists has an empowering effect on patients to feel more in control. Forum posts emphasize common belonging and shared concerns. Therefore, social media is not only a stage for vaccine information but an active factor contributing to the circulation of meanings and enabling emotional support and community formation.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 600
Author(s):  
Chiranjib Chakraborty ◽  
Ashish Ranjan Sharma ◽  
Manojit Bhattacharya ◽  
Govindasamy Agoramoorthy ◽  
Sang-Soo Lee

COVID-19 vaccination has started throughout the globe. The vaccination program has also begun in most Asian countries. This paper analyzed the Asian-origin COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program status in Asia till March 2021 under three sections. In the first section, we mapped the approved vaccines that originated from Asia, their technological platforms, collaborations during vaccine development, and regulatory approval from other countries. We found that a total of eight Asian COVID-19 vaccines originated and got approval from three countries: China, India, and Russia. In the second section, we critically evaluated the recent progress of COVID-19 vaccination programs. We analyzed the overall vaccination status across the Asian region. We also calculated the cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in different Asian countries, vaccine rolling in 7-day average in various Asian countries, and COVID-19 vaccine per day doses administrated in several Asian countries. We found that China and India vaccinated the maximum number of people. Finally, we evaluated the factors affecting the COVID-19 vaccination program in Asia, such as vaccine hesitancy, basic reproduction numbers (R0) and vaccination campaigns, and the cost of the vaccines. Our analysis will assist the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program successfully in Asia.


Author(s):  
Shaniece Criss ◽  
Thu T. Nguyen ◽  
Samantha Norton ◽  
Imaya Virani ◽  
Eli Titherington ◽  
...  

Background: Our study aimed to describe themes of tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines, race, and ethnicity to explore the context of the intersection of these topics on Twitter. Methods: We utilized Twitter’s Streaming Application Programming Interface (API) to collect a random 1% sample of publicly available tweets from October 2020 to January 2021. The study team conducted a qualitative content analysis from the full data set of 1110 tweets. Results: The tweets revealed vaccine support through vaccine affirmation, advocacy through reproach, a need for a vaccine, COVID-19 and racism, vaccine development and efficacy, racist vaccine humor, and news updates. Vaccine opposition was demonstrated through direct opposition, vaccine hesitancy, and adverse reactions. Conspiracy and misinformation included scientific misinformation, political misinformation, beliefs about immunity and protective behaviors, and race extermination conspiracy. Equity and access focused on overcoming history of medical racism, pointing out health disparities, and facilitators to vaccine access. Representation touted pride in development and role models, and politics discussed the role of politics in vaccines and international politics. Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrates that Twitter can provide nuances about multiple viewpoints on the vaccine related to race and ethnicity and can be beneficial in contributing to insights for public health messaging.


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