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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice
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Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 6404

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Ling

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
Interests: vaccine hesitancy; public health; cancer screening
Dr. Judith Eberhardt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
Interests: vaccine hesitancy; health behaviour change; psychosocial aspects of cancer screening; psychosocial aspects of long-term conditions; psychosocial aspects of preventative health behaviours

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy, i.e., the delay in uptake or refusal of vaccines regardless of the availability of vaccination services, as one of ten threats to global health. Vaccine hesitancy is a complex, context-specific phenomenon, varying across time, place and vaccines.

We know that factors such as complacency, convenience and confidence influence individuals’ attitudes towards vaccination. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought vaccine hesitancy to the forefront of public debate. Health inequalities are worsening in many parts of the world, and vaccine hesitancy contributes to this trend. For example, in the United Kingdom, coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has dropped to significantly below the World Health Organization’s 95% target needed for the elimination of measles, and there are indications that, in the wake of the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy may be affecting routine childhood immunizations.

Vaccine hesitancy tends to be particularly prevalent in underserved communities, such as minority ethnic, and socio-economically deprived groups. Even a small reduction in immunization rates impacts negatively on herd immunity, placing additional burden on healthcare. It is, therefore, critical to identify factors affecting vaccine hesitancy and to develop interventions to address this issue.

In this Special Issue, we will collect original research on vaccine hesitancy across a range of vaccines, populations and settings. We will focus on research that has the potential to inform policy and practice in relation to increasing vaccine uptake.

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Ling
Dr. Judith Eberhardt
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
  • vaccine refusal
  • vaccine uptake
  • COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
  • influenza vaccine hesitancy
  • childhood vaccination hesitancy
  • attitudes to vaccination
  • vaccine misinformation

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Nurses in Thailand: Implications, Challenges, and Future Prospects for Attitudes and Vaccine Literacy
by Nipaporn Butsing, Wantana Maneesriwongul, Poolsuk Janepanish Visudtibhan, Sirirat Leelacharas and Kamonrat Kittipimpanon
Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020142 - 29 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1424
Abstract
Nurses are healthcare workers at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, vaccine literacy, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, and determine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among nurses in Thailand. [...] Read more.
Nurses are healthcare workers at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, vaccine literacy, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, and determine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among nurses in Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using online questionnaires between May and June 2021. A total of 510 nurses were recruited during the pandemic’s third wave in Thailand. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ten percent (n = 51) of the participants were men, all of whom showed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Of the 459 female nurses, 94.8% (n = 435) accepted COVID-19 vaccination and 91.3% (n = 419) reported previous influenza vaccination. In multiple logistic regression models, previous influenza vaccination, interactive–critical vaccine literacy, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among female nurses in Thailand. Those who had previously received influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination. Higher scores for interactive–critical vaccine literacy and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine increased the odds of accepting vaccination, while negative attitudes were associated with decreased vaccine acceptance. Vaccine literacy, together with attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine, had a strong positive effect on increasing vaccination acceptance and reducing vaccine hesitancy. The results suggest that policymakers should consider both attitudes and vaccine literacy when establishing prospective strategies for promoting vaccine acceptance among nurses beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice)
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12 pages, 436 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Influenza Vaccination Practices among COPD Patients
by Walid Al-Qerem, Anan Jarab, Judith Eberhardt, Fawaz Alasmari and Saja K. AbedAlqader
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010014 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1517
Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stands as a global health concern linked to considerable morbidity and mortality. In Jordan, the prevalence of COPD is substantial, but research in this area is limited. Exacerbations of COPD can lead to severe outcomes, including hospitalization and [...] Read more.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stands as a global health concern linked to considerable morbidity and mortality. In Jordan, the prevalence of COPD is substantial, but research in this area is limited. Exacerbations of COPD can lead to severe outcomes, including hospitalization and increased cardiovascular risk. Influenza is a significant trigger of exacerbations in COPD patients, and vaccination is recommended. However, studies have shown negative attitudes towards the influenza vaccine. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and intentions of COPD patients in Jordan regarding influenza vaccination. Data were collected through a custom-designed questionnaire from 300 COPD patients. The study revealed low influenza vaccination rates, with forgetfulness and lack of knowledge about vaccine effectiveness being the main barriers. Higher knowledge and positive attitudes were associated with greater intention to vaccinate. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to implement customized health education campaigns, foster collaborations with healthcare providers, and engage in community-focused initiatives to enhance acceptance of the influenza vaccine among COPD patients in Jordan. These findings underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and negative attitudes to enhance vaccine uptake and improve health outcomes for COPD patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice)
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10 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Sources of Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Its Associations with Parental Motivation to Have Their Children Vaccinated in Taiwan
by Tai-Ling Liu, Ray C. Hsiao, Yu-Min Chen, Po-Chun Lin and Cheng-Fang Yen
Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081337 - 7 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1129
Abstract
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and subsequent hospitalization in children. Few studies have examined whether different sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and parents’ trust in the information have different effects on parental motivation [...] Read more.
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and subsequent hospitalization in children. Few studies have examined whether different sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and parents’ trust in the information have different effects on parental motivation to have their child vaccinated. No study has examined parental demographic factors related to the sources of information and the trust of parents in these sources. Understanding the sources of information on pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, parents’ trust in the information, and related factors can contribute to the development of strategies for promoting the knowledge and acceptance of pediatric vaccination among parents. This study examined the sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines used by parents, their level of trust in these information sources, the demographic factors that influence this trust, and the associations of such information sources with parental motivation to get their child vaccinated against COVID-19. In total, 550 parents (123 men and 427 women) completed a questionnaire that was used to collect information regarding the information sources and to measure the parents’ trust in these information sources. Parental motivation to get their child vaccinated was measured using the Motors of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale for Parents. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine two associations, namely the associations of the parents’ sources of information and their trust in these sources with their motivation to have their child vaccinated and the associations of the parents’ demographic factors with their sources of information and their trust in these sources. For the parents, traditional mass media and medical staff in healthcare settings were the most common sources of information regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines. The parents rated medical staff in healthcare settings as the most trustworthy source of information. Obtaining information from acquaintances through social media and obtaining information from medical staff in healthcare settings were significantly associated with parental motivation to get their child vaccinated against COVID-19. Trust in the information provided by medical staff in healthcare settings and coworkers was significantly associated with the motivation of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Compared with fathers, mothers were more likely to obtain information from medical staff in healthcare settings and from acquaintances through social media. Parents with a higher education level were more likely to obtain information from medical staff in healthcare settings. Compared with the fathers, the mothers were more trusting of information obtained from coworkers. Health professionals should consider the sources of information used by parents and related factors when establishing strategies to increase parental motivation to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice)
12 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease and Prevention Products: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferences of Kenyan Healthcare Workers in Two Counties in 2021
by Bryan O. Nyawanda, Victor A. Opere, Joyce U. Nyiro, Elisabeth Vodicka, Jessica A. Fleming, Ranju Baral, Sadaf Khan, Clint Pecenka, Jorim O. Ayugi, Raphael Atito, James Ougo, Godfrey Bigogo, Gideon O. Emukule, Nancy A. Otieno and Patrick K. Munywoki
Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061055 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among infants under 6 months of age. Yet, in Kenya, little is known about healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions around RSV disease and the prevention products under [...] Read more.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among infants under 6 months of age. Yet, in Kenya, little is known about healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions around RSV disease and the prevention products under development. Between September and October 2021, we conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional survey to assess HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of RSV disease and RSV vaccinations in two counties. We enrolled HCWs delivering services directly at maternal and child health (MCH) departments in selected health facilities (frontline HCWs) and health management officers (HMOs). Of the 106 respondents, 94 (88.7%) were frontline HCWs, while 12 were HMOs. Two of the HMOs were members of the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG). Of the 104 non-KENITAG HCWs, only 41 (39.4%) had heard about RSV disease, and 38/41 (92.7%) felt that pregnant women should be vaccinated against RSV. Most participants would recommend a single-dose vaccine schedule (n = 62, 58.5%) for maximal adherence and compliance (n = 38/62, 61.3%), single dose/device vaccines (n = 50/86, 58.1%) to prevent wastage and contamination, and maternal vaccination through antenatal care clinics (n = 53, 50%). We found the need for increased knowledge about RSV disease and prevention among Kenyan HCWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy: Implications for Uptake, Public Health, Policy, and Practice)
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