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Vaccines
Special Issues
Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges
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Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 10449

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamed Abouzid

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3 St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
Interests: public health; epidemiology; pharmacogenetics
Dr. Tau Ming Liew

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
2. Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
3. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Interests: behavioral science; data science

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccination has long been recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing the spread of infectious diseases and saving countless lives. Despite this, vaccination rates have been declining in many parts of the world in recent years, due in part to vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Vaccine hesitancy is a complex phenomenon that involves a range of factors, including individual attitudes and beliefs, social and cultural factors, and communication and messaging strategies.

In order to effectively address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, it is essential to understand the attitudes and challenges that shape public perceptions of vaccination. This Special Issue aims to gather research from a range of disciplines, including public health, psychology, sociology, and communication studies, to explore the complex dynamics of vaccine hesitancy and refusal.

We are pleased to welcome submissions that address a range of topics related to vaccine hesitancy and public perceptions of vaccination, including, but not limited to:

  • Factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, such as beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy, social norms, and trust in public health authorities.
  • The role of social and cultural factors, including religion, ethnicity, and political beliefs, in shaping attitudes toward vaccination.
  • The impact of communication and messaging strategies on vaccine acceptance, including the use of social media and other digital platforms.
  • Strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake, including community-based interventions and health communication campaigns.
  • Perceptions of vaccination among minority groups, and in low- and middle-income countries.

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Mohamed Abouzid
Dr. Tau Ming Liew
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccine hesitancy
  • vaccination
  • immunization
  • attitude
  • knowledge
  • public health

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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12 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Attitudes towards Maternal Immunisation of Polish Mothers: A Cross-Sectional, Non-Representative Study
by Iwona Kiersnowska, Kinga Kalita-Kurzyńska, Weronika Piekutowska-Kowal, Joanna Baranowska and Edyta Krzych-Fałta
Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101143 - 5 Oct 2024
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccination protects pregnant women against dangerous infectious diseases and contributes to disease prevention for the child until their vaccination schedule begins. Vaccination behaviour is related to attitudes concerning vaccine prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, non-representative study was conducted among Polish mothers [...] Read more.
Introduction: Vaccination protects pregnant women against dangerous infectious diseases and contributes to disease prevention for the child until their vaccination schedule begins. Vaccination behaviour is related to attitudes concerning vaccine prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, non-representative study was conducted among Polish mothers using a diagnostic survey. We used the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) Scale. The author’s questionnaire included questions concerning experiences with adult and maternal vaccinations, as well as sociodemographic data. Results: Among the 375 respondents, more than half (n = 208, 55.47%) received at least one vaccine during pregnancy. The majority of respondents had a university education (n = 356, 94.93%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of receiving vaccines during pregnancy between respondents with and without a healthcare education (p = 0.230). A logistic regression model indicated that women who were vaccinated outside pregnancy for COVID-19 (OR 4.61, 2.60–8.22) and influenza (OR 7.14, 3.58–14.25) were statistically significantly more likely to be vaccinated during pregnancy. There were statistically significant differences between women who were vaccinated during pregnancy and those who did not receive maternal immunisation in three subscales of the VAX Scale: Mistrust of Vaccine Benefit, Concerns about Commercial Profiteering, and Preference for Natural Immunity (p < 0.001). The most frequently indicated reason for a woman’s decision to be vaccinated was concern for the health and safety of the unborn child (n = 196, 94.23%). In contrast, women who were not vaccinated reported fear for the health and safety of the unborn child (n = 88, 52.69%). Conclusions: A key point may be to contribute to the vaccinology education of healthcare professionals, who play an important role in pregnant women’s decision to be vaccinated. However, our results may be disrupted because the majority of the women in our study had a university education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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19 pages, 1077 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Exposure: The Effect of Online Authority vs. Non-Authority Sources on Beliefs, Emotions and Information Engagement Behaviors
by Xiaowen Xu and Carolyn A. Lin
Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101096 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 805
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the theoretical linkages between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information sources, vaccination-related beliefs, vaccination-induced emotions, and vaccine information engagement. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a national sample of adults (N = 630) residing in the U.S. to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the theoretical linkages between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information sources, vaccination-related beliefs, vaccination-induced emotions, and vaccine information engagement. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a national sample of adults (N = 630) residing in the U.S. to test these relationships, guided by the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and the Health Belief Model. Results: Study findings showed that exposure to online authority vaccine information sources was positively related to vaccination-benefit beliefs and negatively related to vaccination-barrier beliefs, in addition to hopeful feelings connected to vaccination. Exposure to non-authority sources was positively associated with vaccination-barrier beliefs, hopeful and fearful feelings connected to vaccination, and vaccine information engagement. While vaccination-benefit beliefs and vaccination-barrier beliefs were negatively and positively linked to vaccine information engagement, respectively, these beliefs were each positively connected to hopeful feelings and fearful feelings toward vaccination in that order. Both hopeful and fearful feelings toward vaccination also emerged as positive correlates of vaccine information engagement. Conclusions: This study contributes to our understanding of how cognitive appraisals of and affective responses to risk information disseminated by different types of sources may be related to risk information engagement behavior in a public health crisis. Results bring evidence-based insights to both researchers and health professionals to better equip them to counter vaccine misinformation and reduce vaccination barriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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13 pages, 586 KiB  
Article
Changes in Attitudes towards Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination during the Subsiding COVID-19 Pandemic—Results of a Longitudinal Survey Study among Risk Groups in Germany between 2021 and 2023
by Sebastian Born, Daniel Schwarzkopf, Norman Rose, Mathias W. Pletz, Konrad Reinhart and Carolin Fleischmann-Struzek
Vaccines 2024, 12(9), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12091080 - 21 Sep 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Background: In many countries, an increase in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how attitude, risk perception and knowledge towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines of at-risk patients developed when the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and if COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Background: In many countries, an increase in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how attitude, risk perception and knowledge towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines of at-risk patients developed when the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and if COVID-19 vaccination attitude (VA) was still associated with the attitudes towards the two other vaccines. Methods: We used longitudinal data from two surveys conducted in Germany in 2021 and 2023 among persons with chronic diseases. We assessed VA, risk perception, vaccination knowledge and further psychological determinants of vaccine acceptance. Structural equation modelling using full information maximum likelihood was used to estimate multivariate regressions with planned missing data. Results: Among 543 respondents, the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2023. VA also remained unchanged at a moderately positive level, while COVID-19 VA decreased. A constantly positive association between COVID-19 VA and influenza as well as pneumococcal VA was found, independent from a general VA. The perceived danger of influenza increased between 2021 and 2023 and was among the strongest predictors of influenza VA. Conclusions: Also at the subsiding pandemic, COVID-19 VA was constantly associated with the influenza and pneumococcal VA. It seems sensible to take these aspects into account when designing future vaccination campaigns for at-risk patients. Trial registration: DRKS00024561. Registered 9 March 2021. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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15 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People
by Emily Greberman, Erin Michelle Turner Kerrison, Aaron Chalfin and Jordan M. Hyatt
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060600 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 753
Abstract
Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts [...] Read more.
Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts to mediate the harms of COVID-19. Prisons operate as a microcosm of society in many ways but they also face unique public health challenges. This study examines vaccine hesitancy—and acceptance—among a sample of individuals incarcerated within adult prisons in Pennsylvania. Using administrative records as well as rich attitudinal data from a survey of the incarcerated population, this study identifies a variety of social and historical factors that are—and are not—associated with an incarcerated person’s willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings highlight vaccination challenges unique to the carceral context and offer policy recommendations to improve trust in credible health messengers and health service provision for this often overlooked but vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
14 pages, 1567 KiB  
Article
The Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in an Autonomous Community in Spain towards Paediatric Influenza Vaccination
by Jaime J. Pérez-Martín, Antonio Iofrío de Arce and Matilde Zornoza-Moreno
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060599 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 706
Abstract
In the 2022–2023 influenza season, three autonomous communities anticipated the document approved by the Public Health Commission recommending influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 to 59 months. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of healthcare professionals towards [...] Read more.
In the 2022–2023 influenza season, three autonomous communities anticipated the document approved by the Public Health Commission recommending influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 to 59 months. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of healthcare professionals towards the first universal vaccination campaign in our region, as well as the acceptability of the vaccines used and their attitude towards pilot school vaccination. This was a cross-sectional, survey-based, descriptive study. All healthcare professionals involved in the campaign were invited to participate. Overall, 91.9% of surveyed professionals thought that influenza vaccination from 6 to 59 months was important or very important, and 89.8% had previous experience regarding the intramuscular vaccine. Healthcare professionals rated the intranasal vaccine significantly more positively, but there were no differences when asking about each vaccine without comparison. The inhaled vaccine was preferred by 97.5% for the following campaign. Pilot school vaccination had a 75% acceptance rate. The inhaled vaccine was preferred by most professionals, and pilot school vaccination was highly accepted and independently associated with the importance of vaccination as considered by physicians, being a medical doctor, and participation in the pilot programme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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11 pages, 1022 KiB  
Article
Examining Public Messaging on Influenza Vaccine over Social Media: Unsupervised Deep Learning of 235,261 Twitter Posts from 2017 to 2023
by Qin Xiang Ng, Clara Xinyi Ng, Clarence Ong, Dawn Yi Xin Lee and Tau Ming Liew
Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101518 - 24 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Although influenza vaccines are safe and efficacious, vaccination rates have remained low globally. Today, with the advent of new media, many individuals turn to social media for personal health questions and information. However, misinformation may be rife, and health communications may be suboptimal. [...] Read more.
Although influenza vaccines are safe and efficacious, vaccination rates have remained low globally. Today, with the advent of new media, many individuals turn to social media for personal health questions and information. However, misinformation may be rife, and health communications may be suboptimal. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the public messaging related to influenza vaccines by organizations over Twitter, which may have a far-reaching influence. The theoretical framework of the COM-B (capacity, opportunity, and motivation component of behavior) model was used to interpret the findings to aid the design of messaging strategies. Employing search terms such as “flu jab”, “flu vaccine”, “influenza vaccine”, and ‘“ influenza jab”, tweets posted in English and by organizations from 1 January 2017 to 1 March 2023 were extracted and analyzed. Using topic modeling, a total of 235,261 tweets by organizations over Twitter were grouped into four main topics: publicizing campaigns to encourage influenza vaccination, public education on the safety of influenza vaccine during pregnancy, public education on the appropriate age to receive influenza vaccine, and public education on the importance of influenza vaccine during pregnancy. Although there were no glaring pieces of misinformation or misconceptions, the current public messaging covered a rather limited scope. Further information could be provided about influenza and the benefits of vaccination (capability), promoting community, pharmacist-led influenza vaccination, and other avenues (opportunity), and providing greater incentivization and support for vaccination (motivation). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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10 pages, 4661 KiB  
Case Report
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Is Real: A Case Report
by Laura Jane Mackenzie, Jaquelin Anne Bousie, Mary-Jessimine Ann Bushell and Phillip Newman
Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071164 - 27 Jun 2023
Viewed by 4031
Abstract
This study presents a case of SIRVA-induced adhesive capsulitis and the subsequent physiotherapy intervention. It details the patient’s journey using CARE guidelines. The main symptoms included persistent pain and a reduced range of motion for flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation of [...] Read more.
This study presents a case of SIRVA-induced adhesive capsulitis and the subsequent physiotherapy intervention. It details the patient’s journey using CARE guidelines. The main symptoms included persistent pain and a reduced range of motion for flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation of the shoulder. Interventions included active and passive mobilisation via capsular stretching, and home exercise programs. At more than two years post-injury, the patient has ongoing pain, restricted shoulder movement, and disability. This highlights the importance of healthcare practitioners’ knowledge of SIRVA. Vaccinating practitioners should be aware of the mechanism of injury of SIRVA for preventing such injuries. First-contact practitioners should be aware of SIRVA-induced conditions to ensure timely and correct diagnosis and management of SIRVA-induced conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)
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