Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake: 2nd Edition

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 October 2025 | Viewed by 2622

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Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Interests: cancer prevention interventions; human papillomavirus vaccine
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Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the second edition of the Special Issue "Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake”. This Special Issue will build on the research published in the first edition by identifying intervention strategies to overcome barriers to vaccination, reduce hesitancy, and increase uptake among diverse populations worldwide. We encourage submissions that share findings based on the application of innovative research methods to increase vaccine uptake. Research exploring human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines is welcomed. For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of all types of papers, including original research articles, reviews, and short communications, with no restrictions on the type of submission. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • vaccine acceptance
  • vaccine hesitancy
  • vaccine uptake
  • vaccination

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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11 pages, 585 KiB  
Article
Vaccination Status and Influencing Factors of Delayed Vaccination in Toddlers Born to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Positive Mothers
by Jinling Gao, Lin Luan, Yiheng Zhu, Jie Zhu, Zhiyuan Zhu, Tian Gong, Juan Xu and Na Liu
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030286 - 7 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background: This study aims to analyze the vaccination status and factors influencing delayed vaccination among toddlers born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers. Methods: Data of HBsAg-positive mothers between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022 were provided by the [...] Read more.
Background: This study aims to analyze the vaccination status and factors influencing delayed vaccination among toddlers born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers. Methods: Data of HBsAg-positive mothers between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022 were provided by the Suzhou Maternal and Child Health Care and Family Planning Service Center. The vaccination records were obtained from the Jiangsu Province Immunization Service Management Information System. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors of delayed vaccination. Results: A total of 4250 toddlers born to HBsAg-positive mothers were documented. The data revealed that the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine was administered to 100% of the toddlers. In addition, the coverage of the National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines among these toddlers ranged from 92.9% to 99.4%. The proportion of delayed NIP vaccination varied between 0% and 12.2%. The proportion of delayed Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination was 11.3%, with the delay predominantly observed between 4 and 6 months. Notably, the proportion of delayed BCG vaccination among the toddlers born to HBsAg-positive mothers was significantly higher than that in the general population. Additionally, the proportion of the first dose of non-NIP vaccines was 3.3–36.4%, and the proportion of DTaP-IPV/Hib was 27.0%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the regional level, the mother’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status, and the infant’s birth weight were significant factors influencing the timeliness of vaccination. Conclusions: Although the vaccination status of toddlers born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Suzhou city remains stable, the issue of delayed vaccination requires attention. It is essential to continue strengthening targeted vaccine education to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve the rate of timely vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 529 KiB  
Article
Vaccination Coverage and Attitudes in Children and Adults on Biologic Therapies: Cocooning Strategies, Undervaccination Factors and Predictors of Favorable Attitudes
by Charikleia Kariniotaki, George Bertsias, Emmanouil Galanakis and Chrysoula Perdikogianni
Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020152 - 1 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: Infections pose a significant risk of morbidity and mortality to patients on biologics, with the vaccination of both patients and their close contacts serving as a key preventive measure. Despite its importance, there are limited data on the vaccination coverage for this [...] Read more.
Background: Infections pose a significant risk of morbidity and mortality to patients on biologics, with the vaccination of both patients and their close contacts serving as a key preventive measure. Despite its importance, there are limited data on the vaccination coverage for this group, and no studies have examined the vaccination status of patients’ close contacts. Objectives: To assess vaccination rates among patients on biologics and their household contacts, identifying reasons for inadequate vaccination and examining factors influencing vaccination status and attitudes is crucial. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 at the two hospitals in Heraklion, Crete, including adult and pediatric patients on biologics. Data were collected through medical records and interviews and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and MedCalc2006. Results: Among the 446 adults, vaccination rates were as follows: 83% for COVID-19, 73.8% for influenza, 64.5% for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 29.6% for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and 4% for Tdap. Among the 26 children included, those with basic immunization schedule coverage exceeded 96%, but rates for the vaccines usually administered at adolescence were lower (Tdap: 47.8%, HPV: 42.1%, MenACWY: 66.7%). COVID-19 vaccination was at 38.5%. Regarding the additional vaccines recommended due to treatment-induced immunosuppression, 69.2% of pediatric patients received the annual influenza vaccine, while only 19.2% received the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Household contacts demonstrated low vaccination rates (<59%), except for COVID-19 (81%). Female gender (p < 0.007) and older age (by 1 year, p < 0.001) were associated with favorable attitudes and higher coverage in adults, while in pediatric patients, no statistically significant associations were found. A lack of physician recommendation was the primary reported reason for not being vaccinated. Conclusions: Significant vaccination gaps exist among patients on biologics and their close contacts, largely due to inadequate physician recommendations. Raising awareness and strengthening healthcare provider roles are essential to improve coverage in this high-risk group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake: 2nd Edition)
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Systematic Review
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in College Students Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review Using COVID-19 as a Case Study
by Wai Yan Min Htike, Muxuan Zhang, Zixuan Wu, Xinyu Zhou, Siran Lyu and Yiu-Wing Kam
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050461 - 25 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: Resistance to vaccinations continues to pose a considerable challenge to attaining widespread vaccination, especially among the college student demographic, who are pivotal in championing public health initiatives. This systematic review investigates the elements that influence reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine [...] Read more.
Background: Resistance to vaccinations continues to pose a considerable challenge to attaining widespread vaccination, especially among the college student demographic, who are pivotal in championing public health initiatives. This systematic review investigates the elements that influence reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among university students globally. Utilizing the WHO’s 3C model, which encompasses confidence, complacency, and convenience, this review seeks to pinpoint the main factors and suggest focused strategies to address them. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Global Health. Eligible studies were cross-sectional, peer-reviewed, and examined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among college students. Covidence was used for screening, and data were synthesized narratively using the 3C model. Results: Sixty-seven studies (n = 88,345 participants) from 25 countries were included in this study. Confidence factors were the most influential, with fear of side effects (87.18%) and doubts about efficacy (72.4%) as primary concerns. Complacency factors included a low perceived risk of infection (34.9%) and a preference for alternative preventive measures (52.3%). Convenience barriers involved financial costs (58.1%) and difficulty accessing vaccination centers (40.3%). Subgroup analyses revealed variations by academic discipline and geographic region, with medical students showing hesitancy despite their health knowledge. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among college students is primarily driven by safety concerns, misinformation, and accessibility barriers. Addressing hesitancy requires transparent risk communication, policy-driven accessibility improvements, and tailored educational interventions. These findings can inform strategies to enhance vaccine uptake among young adults and contribute to broader efforts in pandemic preparedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake: 2nd Edition)
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