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8 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Childhood Immunization Service Delivery in Cameroon: A Synthesis of Caregiver Experiences and Recommendations

by Yauba Saidu, Jessica Gu, Budzi Michael Ngenge, Sangwe Clovis Nchinjoh, Amani Adidja, Nnang Edwidge, Nkwain Muteh, Clarence Mbanga, Diaby Ousmane, Andreas Njoh, Junie Flegere, Demba Diack, Emanuele Montomoli and Sue Ann Costa Clemens

Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121430 - 19 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: A “people-centered” approach is one of the core principles of the Immunization Agenda (IA) 2030 and emphasizes the need for services to be organized around the needs and expectations of individuals and the community. A better understanding of the immunization experience from [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: A “people-centered” approach is one of the core principles of the Immunization Agenda (IA) 2030 and emphasizes the need for services to be organized around the needs and expectations of individuals and the community. A better understanding of the immunization experience from the client’s perspective is key to guiding the design of policies and interventions aimed at improving immunization delivery and coverage. This study provides a synthesis of the immunization experiences of children’s caregivers in Cameroon, highlighting potential barriers for timely and complete immunization. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting caregivers of children brought to selected health facilities for immunization in all ten regions of Cameroon. Using structured questionnaires, data were collected from caregivers and analyzed using STATA version 13. Results: In total, 1230 caregivers were interviewed in 265 health facilities. The median age of participants was 27 years and the median number of children per caregiver was two children. Most (87%) of the study participants reported to be satisfied with immunization service delivery. The median waiting time for vaccination was 1 h 48 min, with regional median waiting times ranging from 18 min in the South region to 4 h 6 min in the North region. About a quarter (24%) of surveyed participants reported to have presented to a health facility for immunization services and were turned away without achieving the purpose for which they came at least once. About half (48%) of the caregivers had never heard about planned vaccination activities in their communities. Conclusion: While most caregivers appeared to be satisfied with immunization service delivery in Cameroon, our study highlights some notable caregiver concerns (long waiting times, unproductive immunization visits and inadequate information about outreach activities) which, if addressed, may go a long way to enhance the immunization experience of caregivers in Cameroon, build trust in immunization services and thus improve vaccination uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

12 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes towards Maternal Immunisation of Polish Mothers: A Cross-Sectional, Non-Representative Study

by Iwona Kiersnowska, Kinga Kalita-Kurzyńska, Weronika Piekutowska-Kowal, Joanna Baranowska and Edyta Krzych-Fałta

Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101143 - 5 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination protects pregnant women against dangerous infectious diseases and contributes to disease prevention for the child until their vaccination schedule begins. Vaccination behaviour is related to attitudes concerning vaccine prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, non-representative study was conducted among Polish mothers [...] Read more.

Introduction: Vaccination protects pregnant women against dangerous infectious diseases and contributes to disease prevention for the child until their vaccination schedule begins. Vaccination behaviour is related to attitudes concerning vaccine prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, non-representative study was conducted among Polish mothers using a diagnostic survey. We used the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) Scale. The author’s questionnaire included questions concerning experiences with adult and maternal vaccinations, as well as sociodemographic data. Results: Among the 375 respondents, more than half (n = 208, 55.47%) received at least one vaccine during pregnancy. The majority of respondents had a university education (n = 356, 94.93%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of receiving vaccines during pregnancy between respondents with and without a healthcare education (p = 0.230). A logistic regression model indicated that women who were vaccinated outside pregnancy for COVID-19 (OR 4.61, 2.60–8.22) and influenza (OR 7.14, 3.58–14.25) were statistically significantly more likely to be vaccinated during pregnancy. There were statistically significant differences between women who were vaccinated during pregnancy and those who did not receive maternal immunisation in three subscales of the VAX Scale: Mistrust of Vaccine Benefit, Concerns about Commercial Profiteering, and Preference for Natural Immunity (p < 0.001). The most frequently indicated reason for a woman’s decision to be vaccinated was concern for the health and safety of the unborn child (n = 196, 94.23%). In contrast, women who were not vaccinated reported fear for the health and safety of the unborn child (n = 88, 52.69%). Conclusions: A key point may be to contribute to the vaccinology education of healthcare professionals, who play an important role in pregnant women’s decision to be vaccinated. However, our results may be disrupted because the majority of the women in our study had a university education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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19 pages, 1077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Information Exposure: The Effect of Online Authority vs. Non-Authority Sources on Beliefs, Emotions and Information Engagement Behaviors

by Xiaowen Xu and Carolyn A. Lin

Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101096 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1503

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the theoretical linkages between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information sources, vaccination-related beliefs, vaccination-induced emotions, and vaccine information engagement. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a national sample of adults (N = 630) residing in the U.S. to [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the theoretical linkages between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information sources, vaccination-related beliefs, vaccination-induced emotions, and vaccine information engagement. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a national sample of adults (N = 630) residing in the U.S. to test these relationships, guided by the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and the Health Belief Model. Results: Study findings showed that exposure to online authority vaccine information sources was positively related to vaccination-benefit beliefs and negatively related to vaccination-barrier beliefs, in addition to hopeful feelings connected to vaccination. Exposure to non-authority sources was positively associated with vaccination-barrier beliefs, hopeful and fearful feelings connected to vaccination, and vaccine information engagement. While vaccination-benefit beliefs and vaccination-barrier beliefs were negatively and positively linked to vaccine information engagement, respectively, these beliefs were each positively connected to hopeful feelings and fearful feelings toward vaccination in that order. Both hopeful and fearful feelings toward vaccination also emerged as positive correlates of vaccine information engagement. Conclusions: This study contributes to our understanding of how cognitive appraisals of and affective responses to risk information disseminated by different types of sources may be related to risk information engagement behavior in a public health crisis. Results bring evidence-based insights to both researchers and health professionals to better equip them to counter vaccine misinformation and reduce vaccination barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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13 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Attitudes towards Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination during the Subsiding COVID-19 Pandemic—Results of a Longitudinal Survey Study among Risk Groups in Germany between 2021 and 2023

by Sebastian Born, Daniel Schwarzkopf, Norman Rose, Mathias W. Pletz, Konrad Reinhart and Carolin Fleischmann-Struzek

Vaccines 2024, 12(9), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12091080 - 21 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1443

Abstract

Background: In many countries, an increase in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how attitude, risk perception and knowledge towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines of at-risk patients developed when the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and if COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Background: In many countries, an increase in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how attitude, risk perception and knowledge towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines of at-risk patients developed when the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and if COVID-19 vaccination attitude (VA) was still associated with the attitudes towards the two other vaccines. Methods: We used longitudinal data from two surveys conducted in Germany in 2021 and 2023 among persons with chronic diseases. We assessed VA, risk perception, vaccination knowledge and further psychological determinants of vaccine acceptance. Structural equation modelling using full information maximum likelihood was used to estimate multivariate regressions with planned missing data. Results: Among 543 respondents, the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2023. VA also remained unchanged at a moderately positive level, while COVID-19 VA decreased. A constantly positive association between COVID-19 VA and influenza as well as pneumococcal VA was found, independent from a general VA. The perceived danger of influenza increased between 2021 and 2023 and was among the strongest predictors of influenza VA. Conclusions: Also at the subsiding pandemic, COVID-19 VA was constantly associated with the influenza and pneumococcal VA. It seems sensible to take these aspects into account when designing future vaccination campaigns for at-risk patients. Trial registration: DRKS00024561. Registered 9 March 2021. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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15 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People

by Emily Greberman, Erin Michelle Turner Kerrison, Aaron Chalfin and Jordan M. Hyatt

Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060600 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts [...] Read more.

Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts to mediate the harms of COVID-19. Prisons operate as a microcosm of society in many ways but they also face unique public health challenges. This study examines vaccine hesitancy—and acceptance—among a sample of individuals incarcerated within adult prisons in Pennsylvania. Using administrative records as well as rich attitudinal data from a survey of the incarcerated population, this study identifies a variety of social and historical factors that are—and are not—associated with an incarcerated person’s willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings highlight vaccination challenges unique to the carceral context and offer policy recommendations to improve trust in credible health messengers and health service provision for this often overlooked but vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

14 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in an Autonomous Community in Spain towards Paediatric Influenza Vaccination

by Jaime J. Pérez-Martín, Antonio Iofrío de Arce and Matilde Zornoza-Moreno

Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060599 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 1112

Abstract

In the 2022–2023 influenza season, three autonomous communities anticipated the document approved by the Public Health Commission recommending influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 to 59 months. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of healthcare professionals towards [...] Read more.

In the 2022–2023 influenza season, three autonomous communities anticipated the document approved by the Public Health Commission recommending influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 to 59 months. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of healthcare professionals towards the first universal vaccination campaign in our region, as well as the acceptability of the vaccines used and their attitude towards pilot school vaccination. This was a cross-sectional, survey-based, descriptive study. All healthcare professionals involved in the campaign were invited to participate. Overall, 91.9% of surveyed professionals thought that influenza vaccination from 6 to 59 months was important or very important, and 89.8% had previous experience regarding the intramuscular vaccine. Healthcare professionals rated the intranasal vaccine significantly more positively, but there were no differences when asking about each vaccine without comparison. The inhaled vaccine was preferred by 97.5% for the following campaign. Pilot school vaccination had a 75% acceptance rate. The inhaled vaccine was preferred by most professionals, and pilot school vaccination was highly accepted and independently associated with the importance of vaccination as considered by physicians, being a medical doctor, and participation in the pilot programme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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11 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Public Messaging on Influenza Vaccine over Social Media: Unsupervised Deep Learning of 235,261 Twitter Posts from 2017 to 2023

by Qin Xiang Ng, Clara Xinyi Ng, Clarence Ong, Dawn Yi Xin Lee and Tau Ming Liew

Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101518 - 24 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

Although influenza vaccines are safe and efficacious, vaccination rates have remained low globally. Today, with the advent of new media, many individuals turn to social media for personal health questions and information. However, misinformation may be rife, and health communications may be suboptimal. [...] Read more.

Although influenza vaccines are safe and efficacious, vaccination rates have remained low globally. Today, with the advent of new media, many individuals turn to social media for personal health questions and information. However, misinformation may be rife, and health communications may be suboptimal. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the public messaging related to influenza vaccines by organizations over Twitter, which may have a far-reaching influence. The theoretical framework of the COM-B (capacity, opportunity, and motivation component of behavior) model was used to interpret the findings to aid the design of messaging strategies. Employing search terms such as “flu jab”, “flu vaccine”, “influenza vaccine”, and ‘“ influenza jab”, tweets posted in English and by organizations from 1 January 2017 to 1 March 2023 were extracted and analyzed. Using topic modeling, a total of 235,261 tweets by organizations over Twitter were grouped into four main topics: publicizing campaigns to encourage influenza vaccination, public education on the safety of influenza vaccine during pregnancy, public education on the appropriate age to receive influenza vaccine, and public education on the importance of influenza vaccine during pregnancy. Although there were no glaring pieces of misinformation or misconceptions, the current public messaging covered a rather limited scope. Further information could be provided about influenza and the benefits of vaccination (capability), promoting community, pharmacist-led influenza vaccination, and other avenues (opportunity), and providing greater incentivization and support for vaccination (motivation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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10 pages, 4661 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Is Real: A Case Report

by Laura Jane Mackenzie, Jaquelin Anne Bousie, Mary-Jessimine Ann Bushell and Phillip Newman

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071164 - 27 Jun 2023

Viewed by 5086

Abstract

This study presents a case of SIRVA-induced adhesive capsulitis and the subsequent physiotherapy intervention. It details the patient’s journey using CARE guidelines. The main symptoms included persistent pain and a reduced range of motion for flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation of [...] Read more.

This study presents a case of SIRVA-induced adhesive capsulitis and the subsequent physiotherapy intervention. It details the patient’s journey using CARE guidelines. The main symptoms included persistent pain and a reduced range of motion for flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation of the shoulder. Interventions included active and passive mobilisation via capsular stretching, and home exercise programs. At more than two years post-injury, the patient has ongoing pain, restricted shoulder movement, and disability. This highlights the importance of healthcare practitioners’ knowledge of SIRVA. Vaccinating practitioners should be aware of the mechanism of injury of SIRVA for preventing such injuries. First-contact practitioners should be aware of SIRVA-induced conditions to ensure timely and correct diagnosis and management of SIRVA-induced conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Public Perceptions of Vaccination: Understanding Attitudes and Challenges)

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