Concerns, attitudes, and intended practices of Caribbean healthcare workers concerning COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers and the general population in Saudi Arabia: A meta-analysis

We aim to identify how the seasonal IVRs have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies to statistically examine IVRs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population and HCWs in Saudi Arabia. The meta-regression analysis showed a significant correlation among the general population was observed between the IVR and the timing of the study, with a mean effect size estimate of 14.3 (95% CI = 5.7-22.9; p < .001). Among HCWs, no significant relationship was observed between the IVR and the timing of the study, with a mean effect size estimate of 6.7 (95% CI = -19.3-32.7; p = .5). COVID-19 might have contributed to a rise in IVR among HCWs, whereas the general population has seen a decline in IVR.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices in at-risk groups in the Kyrgyz Republic: A comparative study

INSTRUCTION

Influenza remains a global health concern, causing significant annual morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure; however, global vaccine coverage remains insufficient to establish herd immunity. In Kyrgyzstan, despite a national immunization program, influenza vaccine uptake among the risk groups has fluctuated between 11 % to 50 %. Understanding shifts in vaccination intentions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for refining public health strategies and institutional approach for improving vaccination coverage.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed influenza-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among risk groups (pregnant women, adults with chronic diseases, healthcare workers) in Kyrgyzstan before and during the pandemic (N = 7200). Data were analyzed using EPI Info, with descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to identify associations between socio-demographic/KAP factors and vaccination intentions/recommendations.

RESULTS

Pre-pandemic, lower education (OR = 2.2; 95 %CI 1.4-3.2) and employment (OR = 1.4; 95 %CI 1.0-1.8) predicted higher vaccination intent among pregnant women; these associations waned during the pandemic, though women without comorbidities maintained stronger intent. Among adults with chronic diseases, divorced individuals (OR = 2.74; 95 %CI 1.12-6.6) in pre-pandemic and those distrusting vaccine protective effect (OR = 7.74; 95 %CI 4.2-14.1) showed heightened willingness for vaccination in the pandemic time. Healthcare workers with >5 years' experience and those treating children (OR = 2.39; 95 %CI 1.24-4.6) were more likely to recommend vaccines during the pandemic, reversing pre-pandemic trends. Prioritization of the target groups also shifted: older adults and comorbid patients gained emphasis during the pandemic, whereas children and medical staff were prioritized earlier.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped influenza vaccine uptake dynamics, altering socio-demographic predictors and KAP patterns. Addressing vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and structural barriers through tailored education and proactive healthcare engagement is vital. These findings underscore the need for adaptable, context-sensitive vaccination strategies and robust public health interventions to sustain immunization progress in evolving epidemiological landscapes.

A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza and influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Influenza, a globally significant respiratory illness with pandemic potential, affects around 1 billion individuals annually, leading to increased risk for severe illness and mortality. Despite recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and MoH prioritization, influenza vaccination coverage rate among HCWs in Kyrgyzstan remains low, ranging between 16 % and 46 % over the past five years. Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) dynamics of HCWs regarding influenza vaccinations, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for refining national strategies and institutional approaches to enhance vaccination coverage rates in this important risk group.

METHOD

This study employed cross sectional investigations aimed at assessing KAPs among HCWs regarding influenza disease and vaccination. Conducted prior to and during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project involved 2400 participants from diverse medical disciplines. EPI Info was utilized to run biostatistical analyses, with descriptive and logistic regression models, to elucidate the dynamics of KAP over time.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that HCWs with over 5 years of experience were more likely to get vaccinated or recommend it to patients (p = 0.000). Low confidence in vaccine effectiveness influenced on recommendations of influenza vaccination in pre-pandemic time, where insufficient (95 %CI 0.08-0.6; p = 0.003) or uncertain assurance in vaccine effectiveness (95 %CI 0.007-0.18; p = 0.000) was a barrier for vaccine promotion during the pandemic. The study underscores to consider mandatory influenza vaccination for HCWs which may impact on likelihood of flu vaccination (p = 0.001). Priority groups for influenza vaccination shifted during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing older adults, individuals with existing conditions, and HCWs, compared to the pre-pandemic focus on HCWs, children, and patients with pre-existing conditions.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation provides valuable insights into HCWs KAP concerning influenza vaccination in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing factors influencing vaccine acceptance. The study suggests policy implications, advocating for the revision of national strategies to strengthen capacity building for medical staff.

COVID-19 Vaccination Perception and Acceptance Among Female Medical and Nursing Students at Al-Azhar University, Egypt

Background

There are still many concerns related to various types of COVID-19 vaccines, which may result in individuals' hesitancy presenting a problem for public health authorities to achieve coverage for population immunity. As trustworthy health-care workers, medical and nursing students' perception towards COVID-19 vaccines may greatly influence the future population's uptake of vaccines; however, studies related to the vaccine acceptance rates among them are limited.

Objective

To identify the perception of medical and nursing students toward COVID-19 vaccines and the factors acting either as motivators or barriers to be vaccinated.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 500 undergraduate students aged ≥18 years from medical and nursing faculties. Data were collected via a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of questions on general characteristics of the participants and source of information about the vaccine. Also, it includes items assessing the perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared, t-test and multiple logistic regressions were performed using SPSS version 22.

Results

Positive perception was detected among more than half of overall students. Although medical students had significant higher positive perception toward COVID-19 vaccines than nursing students (54.9% vs. 41.1%, p <0.05), they were more hesitant to get vaccinated than nursing students (25.7% vs. 19.6%, p >0.05). While, medical students had a higher intention to encourage family members or friends to get vaccinated than did nursing students (47.7% vs .43.8%, respectively) (p >0:05). Furthermore, participants were more likely to accept vaccination if they reported higher levels of positive perception especially for vaccine safety and increasing recovery rate.

Conclusion

Academic medical and nursing leaders should consider female students' vaccine concerns, and future efforts are needed to reduce their hesitancy and raise awareness about vaccinations that may eventually improve perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Determinants of Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Healthcare and Public Health Professionals: A Review

Vaccinations of healthcare workers (HCWs) aim to directly protect them from occupational diseases, and indirectly protect their patients and communities. However, studies increasingly highlight that HCWs can be vaccine hesitant. This review aims to analyze HCWs' and public health professionals' sentiments toward COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) vaccination and determinants across different countries. A search strategy was conducted in PubMed using keywords such as "COVID-19", "sentiment/acceptance", "healthcare workers", "vaccine hesitancy", and "influenza". A total of 56 articles were selected for in-depth analyses. The highest COVID-19 vaccination uptake was found in an Italian study (98.9%), and the lowest in Cyprus (30%). Older age, male gender, the medical profession, higher education level, presence of comorbidities, and previous influenza vaccination were associated with vaccine acceptance. Factors for low acceptance were perceived side effects of the vaccine, perceived lack of effectiveness and efficacy, and lack of information and knowledge. Factors for acceptance were knowledge, confidence in the vaccine, government, and health authorities, and increased perception of fear and susceptibility. All studies focused on healthcare providers; no studies focusing on public health professionals' sentiments could be found, indicating a gap in research that needs to be addressed. Interventions must be implemented with vaccination campaigns to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

What impact does the attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination have on physicians as vaccine providers? A cross sectional study from the German outpatient sector

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 vaccination is recognized as a key component in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians' attitudes toward vaccination are known to play a defining role in the management and dissemination of medical advice to patients. In Germany, outpatient practitioners are predominantly responsible for the dissemination of vaccines.

METHOD

Using a cross-sectional online survey, 932 outpatient general practitioners, gynecologists, and pediatricians in Germany were asked in fall, 2021, about their attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination and - among others - their communication in vaccine discussions, their assessment of vaccine safety, and reporting of suspected adverse events. Physicians were divided into two groups along their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess differences in communication strategies.

RESULTS

92 % of physicians had a positive or very positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. Own vaccination status, practice-based vaccination delivery, and estimated vaccination coverage among patients were significantly associated with the attitude toward vaccination. Confidence in vaccine safety was significantly lower among physicians with negative attitudes. There were no differences between the two groups in self-assessment of the ability to detect suspected adverse events, but there were differences in the observing and reporting of adverse events. For the linear regression models, we found that a more negative attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination was significantly associated with increased acceptance of patient refusal of COVID-19 vaccination and empathic behavior for patient concerns. In contrast, willingness to engage in a detailed persuasion consultation was significantly lower. Pediatricians showed significantly higher empathy for patient-side concerns compared to general practitioners, whereas gynecologists showed less empathy than general practitioners.

DISCUSSION

The physician's attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination influences the physician's practices as a vaccine provider. However, when providing medical advice and healthcare, the physician should focus on the actual needs of the patient.

Attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers: a cross sectional study from Egypt

Background

Herd immunity is necessary to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccination is the fastest and safest pandemic control strategy. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential in providing vaccination information. The aim of this study was to assess intent to be vaccinated against COVID-19 among HCWs in Egypt and to determine the factors that may influence their decision.

Methods

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs who care for patients in several hospitals in Delta region, Egypt. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, clinical, and occupational data, intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and beliefs and attitudes towards COVID-19 and its vaccination.

Results

The study included 455 HCWs with a mean age of 36.55 years (SD = 10.31) and 80% were females. The acceptance rate for the COVID-19 vaccine was 70.5%, while hesitancy and resistancy were both 17.6 and 11.9% respectively. About one-third (33.4%) of the subjects had previously contracted COVID-19. Most participants believed that they had a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 (71.6%). More than 64% believed they were at risk for vaccination side effects. Fear of infection and being at high risk of infection were the main drivers for COVID-19 vaccination, while the major barriers were waiting for additional experience with these new vaccines and having doubts about the vaccines’ efficacy.

Conclusions

The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs is very high. This crucial group needs to be the focus of educational initiatives and campaigns designed to increase public awareness of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination.

Believing processes around COVID-19 vaccination: An exploratory study investigating workers in the health sector

BACKGROUND

The processes underlying believing have been labeled "creditions", which are important brain functions between emotion and cognition. Creditions are influenced by both internal and external factors, one of which is the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the vaccination against the disease.

METHODS

To investigate believing processes shortly before the implementation of a mandatory vaccination in Austria, both vaccinated and unvaccinated workers in the health sector (WHS) were surveyed in December 2021/January 2022. In total, 1,062 vaccinated and 97 unvaccinated WHS (920 females) completed the online survey. Beliefs were assessed using the parameters of the credition model (narrative, certainty, emotion, and mightiness) with regard to (1) the COVID-19 pandemic in general, and (2) the vaccination. Type of emotion and narrative were divided into positive, negative, and indifferent. Moreover, the congruence between emotion and narrative was calculated.

RESULTS

The vaccination rate of the sample was 91.6%, with a significantly higher percentage of men being in the group of vaccinated (21.1%) as compared to unvaccinated individuals (12.4%). Pertaining beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccination, unvaccinated WHS reported more negative and less positive emotions as well as content of narrative than vaccinated WHS. In addition, they showed higher levels of certainty as well as mightiness while believing and felt less sufficiently informed about governmental and workplace-related COVID-19 measures. The groups did not differ in the type of emotion or content of narrative in their beliefs about the pandemic in general.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, unvaccinated WHS had more negative and less positive emotions and thoughts than vaccinated WHS in their beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccination and their motivations for not having received it. They were more certain about their beliefs and felt stronger negative emotions in their beliefs compared to vaccinated individuals. Providing unvaccinated WHS with adequate information might be helpful in reducing their mental burden.