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Vaccines
Special Issues
Understanding Infectious Disease Vaccinations: Implications for Health and Safety
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Understanding Infectious Disease Vaccinations: Implications for Health and Safety

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 2309

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Interests: mental health; psychopathology; psychometrics; interventions; COVID-19 issues
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we aim to examine the perceptions and information on infectious diseases and vaccinations, specifically focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to a fundamental shift in public perception of infectious diseases, emphasizing the critical role of vaccines and public health measures in preventing widespread illness and death. By examining how public knowledge and attitudes have evolved during and after the pandemic, we hope to uncover the underlying factors influencing public understanding and acceptance of vaccines. This Special Issue will explore the role of health communication, misinformation, and cultural beliefs, providing insights into the successes and challenges encountered during COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. We aim to identify strategies for improving public health responses, building vaccine trust, and enhancing preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.

We welcome original research articles and reviews in various research areas, including the following:

  1. Public Knowledge and Awareness of Infectious Diseases;
  2. Viewpoints and Perceptions Toward Vaccine Development;
  3. Misinformation and Disinformation in Shaping Attitudes and Behaviors Associated with Vaccination;
  4. Strategies to Improve Vaccine Uptake and Adherence;
  5. Communication Strategies to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Promote Vaccination.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu
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

  • vaccination
  • infectious disease
  • health
  • wellbeing
  • knowledge
  • attitudes

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 704 KiB  
Article
Challenges in Integrating Influenza Vaccination Among Older People in National Immunisation Program: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Acceptance of a Free Annual Program
by Mohd Shaiful Azlan Kassim, Rosnah Sutan, Noor Harzana Harrun, Faiz Daud, Noraliza Noordin Merican, Sheleaswani Inche Zainal Abidin, Ho Bee Kiau, Azniza Muhamad Radzi, Nagammai Thiagarajan, Norhaslinda Ishak, Tay Chai Li, Radziah Abdul Rashid, Sally Suriani Ahip, Nor Hazlin Talib, Saidatul Norbaya Buang, Noor Ani Ahmad, Zamberi Sekawi and Tan Maw Pin
Vaccines 2025, 13(6), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060636 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
Background: Influenza poses a significant threat to the health of Malaysians, particularly among the elderly population. It results in high levels of illness and mortality, becoming a financial burden on the government. Vaccination is widely recognised as the most effective measure for controlling [...] Read more.
Background: Influenza poses a significant threat to the health of Malaysians, particularly among the elderly population. It results in high levels of illness and mortality, becoming a financial burden on the government. Vaccination is widely recognised as the most effective measure for controlling the spread and impact of influenza. Objectives: This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding influenza and influenza vaccination among older adults attending primary healthcare centres in different states of Malaysia. Additionally, the study assessed the level of acceptance for a proposed free annual influenza vaccination program. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted involving 672 older people aged 60 and above who visited nine primary healthcare centres in Malaysia. These centres were selected using proportionate to population size (PPS) sampling to ensure representation from each zone. Participants completed a validated self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of KAP, and a binomial logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of acceptance for the proposed free annual vaccination program. Results: Most participants displayed a strong understanding of influenza illness (74.0%) and the vaccine (65.9%). Moreover, 76.4% of respondents exhibited a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. However, the prevalence of good vaccination practices was relatively low, with only 29.2% of participants having a history of previous vaccination, and just 55.2% of these consistently practicing annual vaccination. The group acceptance rate for the proposed free annual influenza vaccination was 62.3%. Significant predictors of acceptance included a history of previous vaccination (good practice) (OR = 6.438, 95% CI = 1.16–35.71, p < 0.001), a positive attitude towards vaccines (OR = 21.98, 95% CI = 5.44–88.87, p = 0.033), and a good level of knowledge about the influenza vaccine (OR = 0.149, 95% CI = 0.03–0.79, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Increasing the uptake of influenza vaccination among the older population in Malaysia remains a significant challenge. It is recommended that a targeted, free annual influenza vaccination program be implemented for high-risk populations, particularly those with comorbidities and those who have shown greater receptiveness. In addition, health education strategies aimed at raising awareness and understanding of influenza should be prioritised. Strengthening epidemiological data collection and establishing systematic monitoring mechanisms are also essential to support these efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Infectious Disease Vaccinations: Implications for Health and Safety)
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12 pages, 977 KiB  
Article
Is Brazil Reversing the Decline in Childhood Immunization Coverage in the Post-COVID-19 Era? An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
by Ramon Costa Saavedra, Rita Carvalho-Sauer, Enny S. Paixao, Maria Yury Travassos Ichihara, Maria da Conceição Nascimento Costa and Maria da Glória Teixeira
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050527 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on healthcare systems, including the disruption of essential services such as childhood immunization. Containment measures, such as social distancing, contributed to reduced adherence to vaccination programs, increasing the risk of re-emerging vaccine-preventable diseases. We aim [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on healthcare systems, including the disruption of essential services such as childhood immunization. Containment measures, such as social distancing, contributed to reduced adherence to vaccination programs, increasing the risk of re-emerging vaccine-preventable diseases. We aim to assess the evolution of childhood vaccination coverage in Brazil from 2010 to 2024, identifying trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An interrupted time series (ITS) study was conducted using publicly available aggregated data on vaccination coverage for children under one year of age. Prais–Winsten regression models were applied to estimate trend changes and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on immunization levels. Results: The findings indicate a progressive decline in vaccination coverage between 2010 and 2019, which was intensified in 2020 by the pandemic. The BCG vaccine showed the greatest decline (−24.88%, p < 0.001), while pentavalent and hepatitis B vaccines decreased annually by −3.72% and −2.21%, respectively. From 2021 onwards, a gradual recovery in coverage was observed, with significant increases for BCG (+7.48% per year, p < 0.001), hepatitis B (+7.45%, p = 0.014), and MMR (+6.73%, p = 0.017) vaccines. Discussion: The results highlight a concerning decline in childhood immunization, exacerbated by the pandemic but showing recent signs of recovery. This scenario underscores structural challenges within the National Immunization Program, requiring coordinated efforts to reverse vaccination losses and ensure system resilience in the face of future crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Infectious Disease Vaccinations: Implications for Health and Safety)
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16 pages, 3094 KiB  
Article
The COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in Tanzania: The Role of Coordination in Its Success
by Fredrick Rwegerera, Mwendwa Mwenesi, Belinda J. Njiro, Florian Tinuga, Pricilla Kinyunyi, Mary Rose Giattas, Alice Christensen, Ntuli Kapologwe, Adam Meshack, Joseline Ishengoma, Sophia A. Kagoye, Mwinyi I. Msellem, Mwanahamisi Hassan Magwangwala, Fatma Mohammed Kabole, Daniel Ali and Chizoba Wonodi
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050484 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 935
Abstract
Background: The national rollout of a vaccine is a complex and significant undertaking, made more challenging when the health system is experiencing shock, such as in a pandemic. Tanzania had relative success in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout compared to other African countries. [...] Read more.
Background: The national rollout of a vaccine is a complex and significant undertaking, made more challenging when the health system is experiencing shock, such as in a pandemic. Tanzania had relative success in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout compared to other African countries. Objectives: To better understand factors that contributed to this success, we examined the role of coordination (one of the six immunization system building blocks) on the outcomes of the national vaccine rollout. Methods: We obtained qualitative information from the published literature, COVID-19 vaccination program documents for Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, and reports from two documentation workshops with national, regional, and district stakeholders from the government, partners, academia, and civil society. Triangulating this information, we describe the COVID-19 vaccination coordination structure, the roles and responsibilities of its members, and the changes in their engagement and activities over the 18 months following the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. We also obtained quantitative data from the CHANJOCOVID system to analyze time trends in national COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates for the period August 2021 to December 2022. Results: We found that Tanzania had a multi-level, multi-partner integrated coordination mechanism that provided strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for the vaccination rollout. The coordination structure was initially weak but strengthened over time. Based on the level of coordination activities undertaken, we identified three periods marking different strengths of the coordination mechanisms, these corresponded with different trends in vaccination coverage in the mainland. In the first period (July–December 2021), the coordination mechanism was weak, and vaccine coverage was low, with only 3% of the target population vaccinated on the mainland. In the second period (January–May 2022), when stakeholder engagement was expanded and the coordination mechanism improved, there was a concurrent rise in vaccine coverage from 4% to 25%. In the third period (June–December 2022), coordination was further strengthened, and vaccination strategies were intensified; a corresponding increase in vaccine uptake was observed with coverage reaching 100% of the target population. Conclusions: Qualitative insights from the three time periods suggest a positive association between coordination strength and COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Coordination fostered collaboration, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and facilitated data-driven decision making. This enabled Tanzania to overcome complex challenges and achieve significant progress in vaccination coverage. Strong coordination and effective collaboration among stakeholders are essential mechanisms and processes to optimize vaccine delivery resources and ensure the equitable distribution and uptake of vaccines in Tanzania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Infectious Disease Vaccinations: Implications for Health and Safety)
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