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Iguacel I, Luna Maldonado A, Luna Ruiz-Cabello A, Samatán E, Alarcón J, Ángeles Orte M, Santodomingo Mateos S, Martínez-Jarreta B. Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals and General Population Toward Vaccines and the Intention to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 in Spain. Front Public Health 2021; 9:739003. [PMID: 34692626 PMCID: PMC8531478 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.739003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To achieve herd immunity, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by the population, especially healthcare professionals, plays a key role. The objective of the present paper is to address the differences in attitudes among Spanish healthcare professionals compared with the general population regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from 2,136 adults (n = 664 healthcare professionals) from an online survey conducted from May 6 to June 9, 2021. The Vaccination attitudes examination scale was used to measure the negative attitudes toward vaccines. Four subscales: mistrust of vaccine benefit, worries about the unforeseen future effect, concerns about commercial profiteering, and preference for natural immunity were calculated. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to study these associations. Results: Between 10.2 and 22.6% of the subjects showed high levels of negative attitudes toward vaccines. However, only 1.5% of our sample (2.1% among healthcare professionals) refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it was offered because they chose otherwise. Retired people showed the lowest concerns and the highest trust in vaccines. No statistically significant effects were found between working in a healthcare field and having higher positive attitudes toward vaccines. Conclusion: Low levels of rejection against the COVID-19 vaccine were identified in the present sample. However, despite being at a higher risk, health care professionals did not show higher positive attitudes toward vaccines. Furthermore, refusal percentage to vaccination was higher among healthcare professionals compared with non-healthcare professionals. Developing a strategy to increase positive attitudes against the COVID-19 vaccine should be an objective for public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Iguacel
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Eva Samatán
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Judith Alarcón
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Orte
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Petersen MB, Bor A, Jørgensen F, Lindholt MF. Transparent communication about negative features of COVID-19 vaccines decreases acceptance but increases trust. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024597118. [PMID: 34292869 PMCID: PMC8307373 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024597118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the rapid development and rolling out of vaccines against COVID-19, researchers have called for an approach of "radical transparency," in which vaccine information is transparently disclosed to the public, even if negative information can decrease vaccine uptake. Consistent with theories about the psychology of conspiracy beliefs, these calls predict that a lack of transparency may reduce trust in health authorities and may facilitate the spread of conspiracy theories, which may limit the long-term capabilities of health authorities during and after the pandemic. On the basis of preregistered experiments conducted on large, representative samples of Americans and Danes (N > 13,000), the current study contrasts the effects of vague vaccine communication with transparent communication, which discloses either positive or negative vaccine features. The evidence demonstrates that transparent negative communication may indeed harm vaccine acceptance here and now but that it increases trust in health authorities. Furthermore, the alternative of vague, reassuring communication does not increase vaccine acceptance either and leads to both lower trust and higher endorsement of conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Bor
- Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Frederik Jørgensen
- Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Marie Fly Lindholt
- Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
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Mogaji E. Marketing the COVID-19 vaccine and the implications for public health. Vaccine 2021; 39:4766-4768. [PMID: 34281742 PMCID: PMC8275479 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines are new brands of consumer health technology being introduced to the market. Considering consumer behaviour approaches in this time of crisis, the risk of vaccine hesitancy, the call for more transparency and effective messaging to gain trust, and equitable distribution of this vaccine, this is unexplored theoretical terrain. This commentary takes a multidisciplinary approach to understand and theoretically explore the marketing, distribution, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The paper integrates marketing principles, including advertisement and branding of consumer health technology with supply chain management, public affairs, and public health. A theoretical framework was presented to illustrate this relationship and key areas of concerns. The practical implications relevant to equity, ethics, education, employment, and the economic impact was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Mogaji
- Department of Marketing, Events and Tourism, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom.
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El-Nakeep S. To vaccinate or not to vaccinate; that is the question! (New insights on COVID-19 Vaccination). Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:567-571. [PMID: 33982651 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210512012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM This is a mini-review of the literature; to discuss the obstacles and benefits of vaccination in the era of current pandemic, either the COVID-19 vaccines, which are on their way to be released or the influenza vaccines. There is much debate concerning their effectiveness on ameliorating the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY Searching the literature till November 2020 in the PubMed database. RESULTS Pathophysiology behind the COVID-19 vaccination obstacles is discussed in detail with future hopes. Influenza vaccination during the debate of the pandemic is also discussed with the most recent guidelines. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccination is mandatory for all individuals provided no contraindications. Three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are being released , while FDA approval for monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of at-risk outpatients to lower hospitalization rates is ongoing.
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DiSantostefano RL, Terris-Prestholt F. Using Societal Values to Inform Public Health Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Health Preference Research. THE PATIENT 2021; 14:303-307. [PMID: 33886102 PMCID: PMC8060338 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-021-00516-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Loo KY, Letchumanan V, Ser HL, Teoh SL, Law JWF, Tan LTH, Ab Mutalib NS, Chan KG, Lee LH. COVID-19: Insights into Potential Vaccines. Microorganisms 2021; 9:605. [PMID: 33804162 PMCID: PMC8001762 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
People around the world ushered in the new year 2021 with a fear of COVID-19, as family members have lost their loved ones to the disease. Millions of people have been infected, and the livelihood of many has been jeopardized due to the pandemic. Pharmaceutical companies are racing against time to develop an effective vaccine to protect against COVID-19. Researchers have developed various types of candidate vaccines with the release of the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in January. These include inactivated viral vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, mRNA vaccines, and recombinant viral vector vaccines. To date, several vaccines have been authorized for emergency use and they have been administered in countries across the globe. Meanwhile, there are also vaccine candidates in Phase III clinical trials awaiting results and approval from authorities. These candidates have shown positive results in the previous stages of the trials, whereby they could induce an immune response with minimal side effects in the participants. This review aims to discuss the different vaccine platforms and the clinical trials of the candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yan Loo
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Hooi-Leng Ser
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Siew Li Teoh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Jodi Woan-Fei Law
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
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A Descriptive-Multivariate Analysis of Community Knowledge, Confidence, and Trust in COVID-19 Clinical Trials among Healthcare Workers in Uganda. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030253. [PMID: 33809269 PMCID: PMC8000597 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background—misinformation and mistrust often undermines community vaccine uptake, yet information in rural communities, especially of developing countries, is scarce. This study aimed to identify major challenges associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine clinical trials among healthcare workers and staff in Uganda. Methods—a rapid exploratory survey was conducted over 5 weeks among 260 respondents (66% male) from healthcare centers across the country using an online questionnaire. Twenty-seven questions assessed knowledge, confidence, and trust scores on COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials from participants in 46 districts in Uganda. Results—we found low levels of knowledge (i.e., confusing COVID-19 with Ebola) with males being more informed than females (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7–3.0), and mistrust associated with policy decisions to promote herbal treatments in Uganda and the rushed international clinical trials, highlighting challenges for the upcoming Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccinations. Knowledge, confidence and trust scores were higher among the least educated (certificate vs. bachelor degree holders). We also found a high level of skepticism and possible community resistance to DNA recombinant vaccines, such as the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Preference for herbal treatments (38/260; 14.6%, 95% CI: 10.7–19.3) currently being promoted by the Ugandan government raises major policy concerns. High fear and mistrust for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials was more common among wealthier participants and more affluent regions of the country. Conclusion—our study found that knowledge, confidence, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines was low among healthcare workers in Uganda, especially those with higher wealth and educational status. There is a need to increase transparency and inclusive participation to address these issues before new trials of COVID-19 vaccines are initiated.
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Marshall HD. Covid-19 vaccine trials: we must preserve the ends when communicating the means. Assoc Med J 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m4392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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