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Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps...
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Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2022) | Viewed by 12129

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Davide Gori

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; prevention; infectious diseases; one health; vaccine hesitancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globally, infant and childhood vaccine coverage rates are still not high enough, with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases occurring frequently, even in high-income countries. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the factors explaining suboptimal percentages of vaccination coverage, which is defined by the SAGE group as a “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services”. The decision not to vaccinate or to delay vaccine shots is derived from a complex decision-making process influenced by numerous factors related to population, context, environment, historical period and single vaccines.

This recent worldwide increase in vaccine hesitancy has led the World Health Organization to list vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 health threats facing the world in 2019. This has resulted in several high-, middle- and low-income countries to enact, strengthen or contemplate mandatory and/or recommended infant and childhood immunization in order to address this novel gap.

This Special Issue focuses on the current knowledge and strategies that may be used to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination coverage rates in infant and childhood groups. The submission of original articles, systematic reviews, short communications and other work on related topics is welcome. Manuscripts will undergo standard journal peer-review practices, and those accepted for publication will appear in the Special Issue “Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps”.

Dr. Davide Gori
Guest Editor

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
  • child immunizations
  • vaccination coverage rates
  • interventions and strategies
  • rationales, issues and knowledge
  • vaccine-preventable diseases
  • adverse events
  • vaccine uptake

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4185 KiB  
Article
Childhood Influenza Vaccination and Its Determinants during 2020–2021 Flu Seasons in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey
by Kaiyi Han, Zhiyuan Hou, Shiyi Tu, Qian Wang, Simeng Hu, Yuting Xing, Jing Du, Shujie Zang, Tracey Chantler and Heidi Larson
Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10121994 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Young children aged 6–59 months are recommended as one of the priority groups for seasonal influenza vaccination in China. This study assessed influenza vaccination coverage and the factors associated with vaccination uptake among children in three Chinese provinces. In September 2021, 2081 caregivers [...] Read more.
Young children aged 6–59 months are recommended as one of the priority groups for seasonal influenza vaccination in China. This study assessed influenza vaccination coverage and the factors associated with vaccination uptake among children in three Chinese provinces. In September 2021, 2081 caregivers with children <5 years completed self-administered questionnaires as part of a cross-sectional survey. Logistic regression was used to assess determinants of childhood influenza vaccination. A total of 43.63% of respondents reported vaccinating their children against influenza during the 2020–2021 flu season. Caregivers who lived in Anhui province, had a bachelor degree or above, and an annual household income <20,000 RMB were more likely to vaccinate their children against influenza. Confidence in the importance (OR: 2.50; 95%CI: 1.77–3.54), safety (OR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.29–1.99), and effectiveness (OR: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.23–1.93) of influenza vaccine was significantly associated with childhood vaccine acceptance. Respondents who saw that other caregivers were vaccinating their children had significantly higher odds of vaccinating their own children. Caregivers’ receiving positive influence from healthcare workers (OR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.00–1.77), family members, or friends (OR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.14–1.49) were also significantly associated with childhood influenza vaccination. Poor access, including conflicts between caregivers’ availability and vaccination service schedules and inconvenient transportation to the vaccination site were negatively associated with childhood flu vaccination. To promote childhood influenza vaccination, public health information campaigns need to target wealthier and less educated caregivers to enhance caregivers’ confidence in influenza vaccination. Targeted interventions are also needed to optimize access to vaccination services, including extending vaccination service hours and increasing the number of vaccination sites close to residential areas. Interventions are also needed to encourage primary care providers to play a greater role in promoting vaccination. Finally, the dissemination of related information and the public response need to be monitored for the timely understanding of public perceptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022)
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11 pages, 1130 KiB  
Article
Pharmacist-Administered Influenza Vaccination in Children and Corresponding Regulations
by Dana M. Gates, Steven A. Cohen, Kelly Orr and Aisling R. Caffrey
Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091410 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2028
Abstract
In our retrospective cohort study, we evaluated trends in pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination rates in the United States and corresponding state-level pharmacist pediatric vaccination authorization models, including minimum age requirements, vaccination protocols, and/or prescription requirements. An administrative health claims database was used to [...] Read more.
In our retrospective cohort study, we evaluated trends in pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination rates in the United States and corresponding state-level pharmacist pediatric vaccination authorization models, including minimum age requirements, vaccination protocols, and/or prescription requirements. An administrative health claims database was used to capture influenza vaccinations in children less than 18 years old with 1 year of continuous enrollment and joinpoint regression was used to assess trends. Of the 3,937,376 pediatric influenza vaccinations identified over the study period, only 3.2% were pharmacist-administered (87.7% pediatrician offices, 2.3% convenience care clinics, 0.8% emergency care, and 6.0% other locations). Pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination was more commonly observed in older children (mean age 12.65 ± 3.26 years) and increased significantly by 19.2% annually over the study period (95% confidence interval 9.2%-30.2%, p < 0.05). The Northeast, with more restrictive authorization models, represented only 2.2% (n = 2816) of all pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccinations. Utilization of pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination remains low. Providing children with greater access to vaccination with less restrictions may increase overall vaccination rates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, pharmacists will play a major role in vaccinating children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022)
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8 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
The Role of Needle Fear in Pediatric Flu Vaccine Hesitancy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bologna Metropolitan Area
by Esther Rita De Gioia, Adalisa Porqueddu, Ornela Nebiaj, Alessandro Bianconi, Alice Conni, Marco Montalti, Paolo Pandolfi, Renato Todeschini, Maria Pia Fantini and Davide Gori
Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091388 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2317
Abstract
(1) Background: vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce its complications. The main aim of the study is to assess a possible increase of parents’/caregivers’ pediatric flu vaccination adherence due to a nasal administration as an alternative to injection [...] Read more.
(1) Background: vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce its complications. The main aim of the study is to assess a possible increase of parents’/caregivers’ pediatric flu vaccination adherence due to a nasal administration as an alternative to injection in Bologna. (2) Methods: 169 parents/guardians of children who were joining the COVID-19 pediatric vaccination session in Bologna were interviewed. The results were summarized using descriptive statistics. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the determinants of the change in flu vaccine uptake if offered without injection administration. All analyses were conducted using STATA and R-Studio software. (3) Results: Only 29.0% of parents were informed about pediatric flu vaccination by pediatricians, and 32.5% heard about pediatric flu vaccination. Almost 72.2% of parents declared that they would not have their children vaccinated against influenza. Thus, 40.2% of them changed their opinion after being informed about the existence of a non-injective vaccine. Needle fear in children turned out to be a determinant of this opinion change (OR = 3.79; 95% CI = 1.63–9.43; p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: the study has confirmed that needle fear is a determinant of vaccine hesitancy and that a different method of administration may increase parents’/guardians’ adherence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022)
14 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Vaccination Acceptance/Hesitancy among the Community Pharmacists of Palermo’s Province, Italy: From Influenza to COVID-19
by Claudio Costantino, Giorgio Graziano, Nicole Bonaccorso, Arianna Conforto, Livia Cimino, Martina Sciortino, Francesco Scarpitta, Chiara Giuffrè, Salvatore Mannino, Mario Bilardo, Caterina Ledda, Francesco Vitale, Vincenzo Restivo and Walter Mazzucco
Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030475 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3099
Abstract
In Italy, following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, community pharmacies (CPs) were recruited on a voluntary basis in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines as part of their activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and [...] Read more.
In Italy, following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, community pharmacies (CPs) were recruited on a voluntary basis in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines as part of their activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention, and vaccine acceptance/hesitancy towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations among the community pharmacists operating in the Palermo Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with two different questionnaires administered before and after the conduction of the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 at the COVID-19 vaccination center of the Palermo University Hospital (PUH). The baseline survey showed that 64% of community pharmacists (CPs) declared that they planned to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2, and 58% were vaccinated against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Factors significantly associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination were confidence in vaccines (adjOR 1.76; CI 1.11–2.80), fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjOR 1.50; CI 1.06–2.11), considering COVID-19 vaccination to be the best strategy to counteract SARS-CoV-2 (adjOR 1.79; CI 1.39–2.29), and adherence to influenza vaccination during the 2020/2021 season (adjOR 3.25; CI 2.23–4.25). The adherence among CPs of the Palermo Province to COVID-19 vaccination was 96.5%. From the post-vaccination survey, the main reasons for changing opinions on vaccination adherence were the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, fear of contracting COVID-19, and limitations on work activities in the case of vaccine refusal. The achievement of very high COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the present study was mainly due to the mandatory vaccination policies; nevertheless, a willingness for COVID-19 vaccination was relatively high among pharmacists before the beginning of the vaccination campaign. HCPs and CPs should receive training on vaccination, which is recommended in the national immunization plan and is also suggested by the respondents in our study, in order to routinely re-evaluate their own vaccination profiles, as well as those of their patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022)

Other

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8 pages, 236 KiB  
Perspective
Ten Actions to Counteract Vaccine Hesitancy Suggested by the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health
by Claudio Costantino, Caterina Rizzo, Roberto Rosselli, Tatiana Battista, Arianna Conforto, Livia Cimino, Andrea Poscia and Daniel Fiacchini
Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10071030 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1933
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is one of the main causes of the widespread decline in vaccination coverage and has become the subject of ongoing debate among public health professionals. The present commentary is a “decalogue” of strategic actions to counteract vaccine hesitancy for public [...] Read more.
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is one of the main causes of the widespread decline in vaccination coverage and has become the subject of ongoing debate among public health professionals. The present commentary is a “decalogue” of strategic actions to counteract vaccine hesitancy for public health professionals that comes from the cognitive and formative path put in place by the “Communication in Public Health” working group (WG) of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health. From the establishment of a national, multidisciplinary WG on VH to the activation of a national monitoring/surveillance system on vaccine hesitancy, several proposals are discussed. The identification and dissemination of good practices and tools to counteract and understand vaccine hesitancy, interdisciplinary training on vaccine hesitancy and on risk communication, community engagement and infodemiology, the inclusion of effective interventions to counteract vaccine hesitancy within the National Immunization Plan (NIP), the promotion and growth of a community of practice and research in the field of vaccine hesitancy, collaborations between scientific societies, and knowledge from the behavioral sciences represent other actions recommended in the present commentary. The present document suggests ten undeferrable strategies that could be implemented at the national and local levels in Italy, and that could be borrowed by other European countries in order to counteract vaccines hesitancy with a systematic and organic approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Hesitancy and Child Immunizations: Rationales, Issues and Knowledge Gaps 2022)
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