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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination
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Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2024 | Viewed by 9318

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vieri Lastrucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Epidemiology Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: vaccine hesitancy; vaccine attitude; vaccination
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chiara Lorini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Interests: health literacy; epidemiology; determinants of health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccines are one of the most effective measures we can take for the prevention of infectious diseases. This is demonstrated by the important successes in the eradication, elimination and control of several infectious diseases. However, the availability of effective vaccinations is not synonymous with their use; public acceptance and adequate availability are necessary. This situation has been noted by the United Nations and recognized as one of the greatest threats to public health worldwide. The topic has gained enormous importance in the context of COVID-19 vaccination, which is a topic of discussion for many millions of people around the world.

Vaccine hesitancy and uptake are the result of social cognitive determinants, which involve a complex interaction of social and cognitive factors that influence people's behavior towards vaccination. Multiple factors can influence vaccination choice, such as the level of health and vaccine literacy, personal and cultural beliefs, distrust in healthcare authorities, influence of misinformation or conspiracy theories, fear of side effects or adverse reactions, risk perception and so on. These factors can interact with each other in complex ways and influence people's decision to accept or refuse vaccinations.

Understanding this problem and identifying the main predictors of vaccine reluctance or uptake could be useful for developing appropriate strategies to increase awareness and willingness to vaccinate. In this context, we are pleased to announce the Special Issue "Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination". In this Special Issue, we aim to explore the various social–cognitive determinants of vaccine hesitancy and uptake, and consider their interplay in influencing people’s attitudes and behaviors towards vaccination. We also aim to investigate the relationships between social–cognitive determinants and socioeconomic factors in shaping vaccination choices, as well as the interventions that can improve vaccine literacy and address vaccine hesitancy.

Dr. Vieri Lastrucci
Dr. Chiara Lorini
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 literacy
  • vaccine hesitancy
  • attitudes towards vaccination
  • risk perception
  • vaccine uptake
  • public health
  • health literacy
  • social determinants
  • cognitive determinants
  • infectious diseases
  • vaccination strategies
  • immunization
  • health communication

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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14 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Understanding Students’ Vaccination Literacy and Perception in a Middle-Income Country: Case Study from Kazakhstan
by Karina Nukeshtayeva, Nurbek Yerdessov, Olzhas Zhamantayev, Aliya Takuadina, Gaukhar Kayupova, Zhaniya Dauletkaliyeva, Zhanerke Bolatova, Ganisher Davlyatov and Aizhan Karabukayeva
Vaccines 2024, 12(8), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12080917 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Vaccination is a critical public health measure for preventing infectious diseases, but its acceptance varies globally, influenced by factors like vaccine hesitancy. This study examines attitudes and vaccination literacy among Kazakh students, providing insights into global immunization strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted [...] Read more.
Vaccination is a critical public health measure for preventing infectious diseases, but its acceptance varies globally, influenced by factors like vaccine hesitancy. This study examines attitudes and vaccination literacy among Kazakh students, providing insights into global immunization strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3142 students from various Kazakh universities. The HLS19-VAC instrument assessed vaccination literacy, while additional questions evaluated beliefs and attitudes toward vaccines. Data were analyzed to determine associations between vaccine-related beliefs and literacy. The mean vaccination literacy score was 84.74. Most students agreed on the importance (83.4%), safety (79.1%), effectiveness (80.9%), and religious compatibility (77.8%) of vaccines. Positive beliefs significantly correlated with higher literacy scores. Past vaccination behavior, age, gender, and location showed varied associations, with past vaccination status and higher age showing a positive correlation. Positive beliefs about vaccinations were strongly associated with higher vaccination literacy among Kazakh students. Educational interventions that reinforce positive beliefs may improve vaccination literacy and increase vaccination rates. This study underscores the importance of understanding vaccination attitudes to enhance public health strategies in middle-income countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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15 pages, 829 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Inherent Heterogeneity of Vaccine Hesitancy: A Study of a Childhood-Vaccine-Hesitant Population
by Monika Lamot, Andrej Kirbiš and Mitja Vrdelja
Vaccines 2024, 12(8), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12080839 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 753
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy and its determinants have been previously widely researched. Vaccine hesitancy has been defined as a continuum of attitudes, ranging from accepting vaccines with doubts to rejecting them. The present study aims to explore the heterogeneity of a childhood-vaccine-hesitant group by using [...] Read more.
Vaccine hesitancy and its determinants have been previously widely researched. Vaccine hesitancy has been defined as a continuum of attitudes, ranging from accepting vaccines with doubts to rejecting them. The present study aims to explore the heterogeneity of a childhood-vaccine-hesitant group by using a person-oriented approach–latent profile analysis. A non-representative cross-sectional sample of vaccine-hesitant Slovenians (N = 421, Mage = 35.21, 82.9% women) was used to identify differences based on their reliance on personal research (“self” researching instead of relying on science), overconfidence in knowledge, endorsement of conspiracy theories, complementary and alternative medicine, and trust in the healthcare system. The analysis revealed three profiles of vaccine-hesitant individuals. The most hesitant profile—vaccine rejecting—expressed the greatest reliance on personal research, expressed the highest endorsement of conspiracy theories and complementary and alternative medicine, showed moderate overconfidence in their knowledge, and expressed the highest levels of distrust in the healthcare system. We further found differences in sociodemographic structure and that the identified profiles differed in their attitudes regarding MMR, HPV, and Seasonal Influenza vaccinations. The present study demonstrates the heterogeneity of the vaccine-hesitant community and offers insights into some of the traits, which are crucial for designing pro-vaccine campaigns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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15 pages, 1671 KiB  
Article
Parental Vaccine Literacy: Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5–11 Years against COVID-19 in Thailand
by Wantana Maneesriwongul, Suhong Deesamer and Nipaporn Butsing
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1804; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121804 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1753
Abstract
Background: High rates of population immunity are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess parents’ intention to have their children, aged 5–11 years, vaccinated against COVID-19 and its influencing factors in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted [...] Read more.
Background: High rates of population immunity are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess parents’ intention to have their children, aged 5–11 years, vaccinated against COVID-19 and its influencing factors in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted before the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children aged 5–11 years in Thailand. A sample of 542 parents with children in this age group was recruited online. Results: In total, 58.8% of parents intended to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis revealed that influencing factors include child age, parents’ education, interactive/critical vaccine literacy, attitudes that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children, that the vaccine can reduce the severity of COVID-19 in children, that there were other ways to prevent children from contracting COVID-19 superior to vaccination, and that COVID-19 vaccination in children can be fatal. The main reasons for having an intention to vaccinate their children included to reduce the severity of symptoms if infected with COVID-19 and to protect them from contracting COVID-19 when they go to school. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence regarding factors influencing parents’ intention to vaccinate their children. The findings can be used to design future interventions to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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13 pages, 921 KiB  
Article
Does Vaccine Confidence Mediate the Relationship between Vaccine Literacy and Influenza Vaccination? Exploring Determinants of Vaccination among Staff Members of Nursing Homes in Tuscany, Italy, during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Francesca Collini, Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, Marco Del Riccio, Mario Bruschi, Silvia Forni, Giacomo Galletti, Fabrizio Gemmi, Francesca Ierardi and Chiara Lorini
Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081375 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Background: Low coverage of influenza vaccination in nursing home (NH) staff may be attributed to factors such as vaccine confidence (VC) and vaccine literacy (VL). Our study aimed to evaluate the role of VL and VC in predicting the intention to get the [...] Read more.
Background: Low coverage of influenza vaccination in nursing home (NH) staff may be attributed to factors such as vaccine confidence (VC) and vaccine literacy (VL). Our study aimed to evaluate the role of VL and VC in predicting the intention to get the influenza vaccine in a sample of employees of NHs in Tuscany, Italy. Methods: Data from staff members in Tuscany were collected using an online questionnaire that examined influenza vaccination history, intentions, demographic information, health status, and VL. Statistical analyses explored the relationships between VC, VL, and vaccination intentions. Results: The study included 1794 respondents, (86.3%) and assistants/aides (58.1%), with a median age of 46 years. The intention to get vaccinated was significantly higher among those with health risk conditions, and there was a positive association between VC and VL, specifically its interactive/critical component. The mediation analysis showed that VC completely mediated the relationship between VL and the intention to get vaccinated, with significant effects observed in different subgroups. Conclusions: VC is a key factor that mediates the effect of VL on vaccine intention. These results suggest that interventions aimed at improving VL alone may not be sufficient to increase vaccine uptake unless VC is also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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20 pages, 557 KiB  
Systematic Review
Barriers to and Facilitators for Accessing HPV Vaccination in Migrant and Refugee Populations: A Systematic Review
by Davide Graci, Nicolò Piazza, Salvatore Ardagna, Alessandra Casuccio, Anton Drobov, Federica Geraci, Angelo Immordino, Alessandra Pirrello, Vincenzo Restivo, Riccardo Rumbo, Rosalba Stefano, Roberta Virone, Elena Zarcone and Palmira Immordino
Vaccines 2024, 12(3), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12030256 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2071
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally and a primary cause of cervical cancer, which ranks fourth among tumors in both incidence and mortality. Despite the availability of effective vaccines worldwide, HPV vaccination rates vary, especially among migrant and [...] Read more.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally and a primary cause of cervical cancer, which ranks fourth among tumors in both incidence and mortality. Despite the availability of effective vaccines worldwide, HPV vaccination rates vary, especially among migrant and refugee populations. Indeed, migrant status may act as a determinant against accessing vaccinations, among many other factors. The objective of this paper is to evaluate barriers to and facilitators for accessing HPV vaccination in migrant and refugee populations. A systematic review of the existing peer-reviewed academic literature was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines in which we examined thirty-four studies to evaluate HPV vaccination rates in these populations and identify factors acting as barriers or facilitators. Key determinants include socio-economic status and health literacy. Communication barriers, including language and cultural factors, also impact access to information and trust in the health workforce. Understanding and considering these factors is crucial for developing proper and inclusive vaccination strategies to ensure that no population is overlooked. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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17 pages, 1955 KiB  
Systematic Review
Acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among General Men and Men with a Same-Sex Orientation and Its Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Fang Shen, Yuxia Du, Kexin Cao, Can Chen, Mengya Yang, Rui Yan and Shigui Yang
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010016 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1848
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the prevalence of genital warts and the cancers they are associated with in males. However, the vaccination of males has always been neglected. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehend the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in [...] Read more.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the prevalence of genital warts and the cancers they are associated with in males. However, the vaccination of males has always been neglected. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehend the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in men and the factors impacting vaccination intentions. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, CNKI, and Wan Fang up to 5 July 2023 for studies that reported HPV vaccine acceptance among men. A random effects model was used to obtain the pooled acceptance rate, and subgroup analysis was performed. Then, the influencing factors of HPV vaccination in males were analyzed. A total of 57 studies with 32,962 samples were included in the analysis. The overall acceptance rate of the HPV vaccine in general men was 47.04% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 39.23–54.93%), and 62.23% (95% CI: 52.93–71.10%) among those whose sexual orientation contained men. HPV vaccine acceptance rates differed significantly between the two populations (p = 0.01). The population with a medical background (46.23%, 95% CI: 40.28–52.24%) was more willing to be vaccinated. In comparison to the employed population (66.93%, 95% CI: 48.79–82.81%) and the unemployed (68.44%, 95% CI: 52.82–82.23%), vaccination acceptance rates were lower among students (47.35%, 95% CI: 37.00–57.81%) (p = 0.04). The most significant barriers to vaccination were perceived low risk of infection for themselves (45.91%, 95% CI: 31.73–60.43%), followed by vaccine cost (43.46%, 95% CI: 31.20–56.13%). Moreover, the recommendations from medical professionals (60.90%, 95%CI: 44.23–76.37%) and sexual partners (60.09%, 95%CI: 27.11–88.67%) were significant factors in promoting vaccination. Overall, acceptance of the HPV vaccine among general men was at a lower level, despite being slightly higher among men with a same-sex orientation. Popularizing knowledge about diseases and vaccines, encouraging medical professionals to recommend vaccines to men, or reducing the cost of vaccines may promote HPV vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Literacy and Social–Cognitive Determinants of Vaccination)
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