scholarly journals Eighty-six percent of Sri Lankans Wish to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine: A Window of Opportunity for Rolling Out a Successful Vaccination Campaign

Author(s):  
NWANY Wijesekara ◽  
KALC Kodituwakku ◽  
BAMP Bulathsinghe ◽  
JPT Sachinthani ◽  
MMM Lakshani

All countries look up to the COVID-19 vaccine as the panacea against the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have been rolled out globally, while Sri Lanka, too, is ready for its own. To assess the public opinion concerning the COVID-19 vaccination in Sri Lanka, we carried out an online survey from 17.12.2020 to 18.01.2021. Eighty-six percent (n = 1080) of the respondents reed to accept the vaccine. In the meantime, 9 % (n = 108) did not agree to receive the vaccine, while 5% (n = 62) had no idea. The protection given by the vaccine, trends in spreading the disease in the country, and the trust in the vaccine were reasons given for agreeing to get it. Reasons for not agreeing to get the vaccine were “being developed too fast”, the concern of side effects, and lack of trust in the vaccine. Ninety-one percent (n = 1120) of respondents agreed that other preventive measures such as handwashing, social distancing, and wearing face masks must be continued even with COVID-19 vaccination. The respondents prioritized frontline staff, elderly persons, and persons with chronic diseases for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine first. Transparent and accountable vaccine procurement, a robust health system with a well-performing Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI), and creative vaccine financing tools were seen as key strengths in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Besides, Sri Lanka, a health-literate and vaccine loving nation with an almost non-existent anti-vaccination movement, was also seen as a crucial contributor. While the current public opinion provides an ideal ground for a successful COVID-19 vaccination program, due to the inherent vulnerability of misinformation and outrages associated with adverse events following immunization, existing programs for surveillance of adverse events following immunization and surveillance risk communication strategy must be augmented. The window of opportunity of favorable public opinion must be utilized to roll out a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka. Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccine acceptance, Vaccine hesitancy, COVAX, Sri Lanka

Author(s):  
NWANY Wijesekara ◽  
KALC Kodituwakku ◽  
BAMP Bulathsinghe ◽  
JPT Sachinthani ◽  
MMM Lakshani

All countries look up to the COVID-19 vaccine as the panacea against the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have been rolled out globally, while Sri Lanka, too, is ready for its own. To assess the public opinion concerning the COVID-19 vaccination in Sri Lanka, we carried out an online survey from 17.12.2020 to 18.01.2021. Eighty-six percent (n = 1080) of the respondents reed to accept the vaccine. In the meantime, 9 % (n = 108) did not agree to receive the vaccine, while 5% (n = 62) had no idea. The protection given by the vaccine, trends in spreading the disease in the country, and the trust in the vaccine were reasons given for agreeing to get it. Reasons for not agreeing to get the vaccine were “being developed too fast”, the concern of side effects, and lack of trust in the vaccine. Ninety-one percent (n = 1120) of respondents agreed that other preventive measures such as handwashing, social distancing, and wearing face masks must be continued even with COVID-19 vaccination. The respondents prioritized frontline staff, elderly persons, and persons with chronic diseases for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine first. Transparent and accountable vaccine procurement, a robust health system with a well-performing Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI), and creative vaccine financing tools were seen as key strengths in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Besides, Sri Lanka, a health-literate and vaccine loving nation with an almost non-existent anti-vaccination movement, was also seen as a crucial contributor. While the current public opinion provides an ideal ground for a successful COVID-19 vaccination program, due to the inherent vulnerability of misinformation and outrages associated with adverse events following immunization, existing programs for surveillance of adverse events following immunization and surveillance risk communication strategy must be augmented. The window of opportunity of favorable public opinion must be utilized to roll out a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka. Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccine acceptance, Vaccine hesitancy, COVAX, Sri Lanka


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 765
Author(s):  
Amel Ahmed Fayed ◽  
Abeer Salem Al Shahrani ◽  
Leenah Tawfiq Almanea ◽  
Nardeen Ibrahim Alsweed ◽  
Layla Mohammed Almarzoug ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Claudia Mellucci ◽  
Andrea Tamburrano ◽  
Fabiana Cassano ◽  
Caterina Galletti ◽  
Anna Sguera ◽  
...  

Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers may reduce morbidity and protect fragile patients. Most of the evidence concerning the vaccine hesitancy of healthcare workers reported lack of knowledge and wrong attitude. The aims of this study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination among master’s degree students in Nursing and Midwifery, and to evaluate the effectiveness of their involvement in the hospital vaccination campaign in order to increase intention to receive immunization. The students of nurses and midwives were involved in the vaccination sessions of the 2018–19 hospital campaign. They were recruited to complete an online survey. Students of the 2nd year (involved in the vaccination campaign) and the 1st year (not involved) were compared. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed for data analysis. Students who intend to receive influenza vaccination in the following year registered a percentage of 83.6% and showed an overall attitude of 66.8%. The involvement of the students in the vaccination campaign led to a significant increase in their positive vaccination attitude (80.9% vs. 87.0%) and in their intention to receive flu vaccination in the following year (67.7% vs. 100%). A positive attitude towards vaccinations was observed by nurses and midwives. Their involvement in the planning and activities during the vaccination campaign could positively influence their opinions and intention to receive vaccination.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257002
Author(s):  
Guillermo Mena ◽  
Beatriz Blanco ◽  
Irma Casas ◽  
Antonia Huertas ◽  
María-Araceli Sánchez ◽  
...  

Background COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy seems to be universal across countries and subgroups, and so are its determinants. We studied the willingness and factors associated with the decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCW) in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Furthermore, we compared the percentage of willingness to vaccinate against COVID with actual vaccination rates among HCW in our hospital. Methods From December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021, before initiation of the COVID-19 HCW vaccination campaign at Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTiP), an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to HCW. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the association of variables with the outcome “intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible” was conducted. Vaccination rates were extracted from the hospital information systems. Results Forty-four percent of HCW included in the study declared a willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. This was associated with male sex [1.66 (95%CI 1.13–2.43); p = 0.009], older age [1.02 (95%CI 1.00–1.03); p = 0.014], belonging to the occupational groups “physician” or “other” [5.76 (95%CI 3.44–9.63) and 2.15 (95%CI 1.25–3.70); p<0.001], respectively, and reporting influenza vaccination during the last three seasons or at least one of the last three seasons [3.84 (95%CI 2.56–5.75) and 2.49 (95%CI 1.71–3.63); p<0.001]. One in ten hospital workers reported they were unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Actual COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCW was higher (80.4%) than the percentage of willingness to vaccinate estimated from the questionnaire. Physicians not only had the highest vaccination rate, but also the highest correlation between the reported intention to vaccinate and the final decision to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination uptake was higher than previously estimated according to the stated intentions of HCW. Doubts and fears must be addressed, particularly in persons less inclined to be vaccinated: females, younger people and those not vaccinated against influenza in recent seasons. The study of barriers and strategies aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccination must be adapted in relation to occupational groups’ attitudes, understanding their idiosyncrasies with respect to this and other vaccines.


Author(s):  
Farhana Tabassum ◽  
Shanila Nooruddin ◽  
Atif Habib ◽  
Noshad Ali ◽  
Imtiaz Hussain ◽  
...  

Background: Globally, typhoid fever is a vaccine preventable infectious disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Apart from EPI center, other alternative and accessible venues were needed for this vaccine like schools. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing acceptance and rejection of participation in school-based typhoid vaccination program in target communities in Karachi.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted, 46 in-depth interviews were conducted with parents, teachers and administrators in the schools where the typhoid vaccine was provided. NVivo was utilized for data coding and themes were derived along with WHO’s analytical framework, vaccine hesitancy, that is, confidence, convenience and complacency, in responses to the vaccination.Results: Participants described confidence as a key factor that largely rooted their perceptions and attitudes related to the vaccination program. Stakeholders showed their concerns about affordability, safety and effectiveness and convenience of the vaccine’s delivery to the students. Satisfied participants from the school-based program showed lack of trust in quality of vaccine and vaccination procedures.Conclusions: Our findings indicate the importance of providing adequate information on vaccination through multiple communication channels, sustained social mobilization programs including community engagement. Addressing concerns through dialogic interactions were crucial for motivation and acceptance of the vaccination program.


Author(s):  
Aditi Dey ◽  
Han Wang ◽  
Helen Quinn ◽  
Rona Hiam ◽  
Nicholas Wood ◽  
...  

This report summarises Australian passive surveillance data for adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) for 2017 reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration and describes reporting trends over the 18-year period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. There were 3,878 AEFI records for vaccines administered in 2017; an annual AEFI reporting rate of 15.8 per 100,000 population. There was a 12% increase in the overall AEFI reporting rate in 2017 compared with 2016. This increase in reported adverse events in 2017 compared to the previous year was likely due to the introduction of the zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) provided free for people aged 70–79 years under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and also the state- and territory-based meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccination programs. AEFI reporting rates for most other individual vaccines in 2017 were similar to 2016. The most commonly reported reactions were injection site reaction (34%), pyrexia (17%), rash (15%), vomiting (8%) and pain (7%). The majority of AEFI reports (88%) described non-serious events. Two deaths were reported that were determined to have a causal relationship with vaccination; they occurred in immunocompromised people contraindicated to receive the vaccines.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 757
Author(s):  
Qiang Jin ◽  
Syed Hassan Raza ◽  
Muhammad Yousaf ◽  
Umer Zaman ◽  
Jenny Marisa Lim Dao Siang

The COVID-19 pandemic may have reached a turning point as the World Health Organization and the global community of nations step up plans for mass vaccination campaigns. However, the COVID-19 vaccine-related conspiracy theories (e.g., falsehoods about birth control, women infertility, surveillance, and microchip humanity, etc.) have built new momentum for vaccine hesitancy. To this end, several nations worldwide, including Pakistan, are struggling to boost public trust and enthusiasm to get vaccinated, especially in an anxious and complicated atmosphere propelled by multiple, new and the deadliest variants of COVID-19. To address this critical research gap during these intensifying conditions of vaccine hesitancy, the present study makes the first attempt to explore the potential effects of various communication strategies, including public service message (safety benefits versus fear appraisals), media types (i.e., traditional versus digital), self-efficacy, perceived benefits and threats (susceptibility and severity), on the willingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Importantly, the underlying effects of public skepticism (in a moderating role) on these relationships were empirically examined. Using four fictitious COVID-19 immunization campaigns in a series of experiments with 2 (media type: traditional vs. digital) X 2 (service attribute: health and safety benefits vs. fear) message frames (represented as Group one to Group four), the findings identified fear appraisal as the most viable communication strategy in combating vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, public skepticism negatively moderated the effects of media types and public service message attributes on willingness to get vaccinated in relatively high (i.e., Group two), moderate (i.e., Group one and four), and low intensities (i.e., Group three). The pioneering findings of this research offer new strategic insights for the global health authorities and vaccine promoters to proactively address the downward spiral of people’s willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 366
Author(s):  
Marco Montalti ◽  
Flavia Rallo ◽  
Federica Guaraldi ◽  
Lapo Bartoli ◽  
Giulia Po ◽  
...  

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.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugen Feist ◽  
Saeed Fatenejad ◽  
Sergey Grishin ◽  
Elena Korneva ◽  
Michael Luggen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Aims  Olokizumab (OKZ) is a new humanised monoclonal antibody targeting IL-6. Here we present the results of the phase III study of OKZ in anti-TNF-IR patients. Methods  Patients with moderately to severely active RA who had previously failed TNF inhibitors (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02760433/CREDO3) were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous (SC) injections of OKZ 64 mg every 2 weeks (q2w), OKZ 64 mg once every 4 weeks (q4w) or placebo (PBO), plus MTX. At week 16, all subjects in the PBO group were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either of OKZ regimes. The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 12. Results  368 subjects were randomised according to the protocol and 320 patients (87%) completed the 24-week treatment period. Baseline characteristics were comparable across arms. Both regimens of OKZ were significantly better in primary endpoint: ACR20 were 60.9% (p = 0.0029 in comparison vs. PBO) in OKZ q2w, 59.6% in OKZ q2w (p = 0.0040 in comparison vs. PBO) and 40.6% in PBO. The key efficacy outcomes were maintained throughout the 24-week period of the study. Overall incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were 65.5% in OKZ q2w, 65.0% in OKZ q4w and 50.7% in PBO. Subsequent randomization of PBO arm at week 16 did not change TEAEs incidence rate per treatment group significantly: 64.3% in any OKZ q2w and 59.7% in any OKZ q4w. The majority of TEAEs in all groups were not serious and were of mild or moderate severity. Incidence of treatment-emergent serious adverse events (TESAE) were: 12 (7.0%) subjects in any OKZ q2w; 6 subjects (3.2%) in any OKZ q4w group, all in the first 16 weeks. The most frequently reported TESAEs across all treatment groups were infections and infestations: 2 (1.2%) in OKZ q2w group, 2 (1.1%) in OKZ q4w group. No opportunistic infections including active tuberculosis, major adverse cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal perforations or deaths were reported. Conclusion  In this global Phase III trial in patients with moderately to severely active RA inadequately controlled by TNF-α inhibitor therapy, treatment with OKZ plus MTX in both regimes (OKZ 64 mg q2w and OKZ 64 mg q4w) was associated with significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of RA compared to PBO plus MTX over a 24-week period. Treatment with OKZ q2w and q4w in this difficult to treat population was well tolerated and consistent with the established safety profile of anti-IL-6 agents. Disclosure  E. Feist: Consultancies; R-Pharm, Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Chugai, Sanofi. Honoraria; R-Pharm, Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Chugai, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB. Member of speakers’ bureau; R-Pharm, Abbvie, AB2Bio, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Chugai, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB. Grants/research support; Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Chugai. S. Fatenejad: Consultancies; RPharm International. Shareholder/stock ownership; Pfizer. S. Grishin: Corporate appointments; Employed by R-Pharm. E. Korneva: Corporate appointments; Employed by R-Pharm. M. Luggen: Consultancies; Amgen, Sun Pharmaceuticals, R-Pharm International. Grants/research support; I havAbbvie, R-Pharm, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, and GSK. E. Nasonov: Honoraria; Lilly, Abbnie, Prizer, Biocad, R-Pharm. Member of speakers’ bureau; Lilly, Abbnie, Prizer, Biocad, R-Pharm. M. Samsonov: Corporate appointments; Employed by R-Pharm.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eve Dubé ◽  
Dominique Gagnon ◽  
Denis Hamel ◽  
Sylvie Belley ◽  
Hélène Gagné ◽  
...  

A mass vaccination campaign with the 4CMenB vaccine (Bexsero®; Novartis Pharmaceutical Canada Inc) was launched in a serogroup B endemic area in Quebec. A telephone survey was conducted to assess parental and adolescent opinions about the acceptability of the vaccine. Intent to receive the vaccine or vaccine receipt was reported by the majority of parents (93%) and adolescents (75%). Meningitis was perceived as being a dangerous disease by the majority of parents and adolescents. The majority of respondents also considered the 4CMenB vaccine to be safe and effective. The main reason for positive vaccination intention or behaviour was self-protection, while a negative attitude toward vaccination in general was the main reason mentioned by parents who did not intend to have their child vaccinated. Adolescents mainly reported lack of interest, time or information, and low perceived susceptibility and disease severity as the main reasons for not intending to be vaccinated or not being vaccinated.


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