Search Results (415)

The 100-Day Mission, coordinated by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and endorsed by significant international stakeholders, aims to shorten the timeframe for developing and implementing vaccines to 100 days after the report of a new pathogen. This ambitious goal is outlined as an essential first step in improving pandemic preparedness worldwide. This review highlights the mission’s implementation potential and challenges by examining it through the lens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which often face barriers to equitable vaccine access. This article explores the scientific, economic, political, and social aspects that could influence the mission’s success, relying on lessons learned from previous pandemics, such as the Spanish flu, H1N1, and COVID-19. We also examined important cornerstones like prototype vaccine libraries, accelerated clinical trial preparedness, early biomarkers identification, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and rapid pathogen characterization. The review also explores the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement and the significance of Phase 4 surveillance in ensuring vaccine safety. We additionally evaluate societal issues that disproportionately impact LMICs, like vaccine reluctance, health literacy gaps, and digital access limitations. Without intentional attempts to incorporate under-resourced regions into global preparedness frameworks, we argue that the 100-Day Mission carries the risk of exacerbating already-existing disparities. Ultimately, our analysis emphasizes that success will not only rely on a scientific innovation but also on sustained international collaboration, transparent governance, and equitable funding that prioritizes inclusion from the beginning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Influenza vaccination plays a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality among older adults; however, uptake remains suboptimal, particularly in the post-COVID-19 pandemic. In many settings, countries have not recovered their influenza vaccine coverage rates to the same level as pre-COVID. Therefore, this scoping review systematically identified the behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) influencing influenza vaccination among older adults using the BeSD framework. Methods: A systematic search across five databases included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies involving individuals aged 60 years and older. Data were charted across four BeSD domains: thinking and feeling, social processes, motivation, and practical issues. Results: Thirty-nine studies from 24 countries were included. Key barriers encompassed safety concerns, misinformation, financial burdens, logistical challenges, and cultural and language barriers. While motivation was positively associated with vaccination intentions, the transition from intention to behavior remains underexplored, and practical issues have received comparatively limited research attention. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for multifaceted, behaviorally informed interventions and greater inclusion of under-resourced settings to support equitable influenza vaccination strategies for healthy aging. Full article

Research on vaccination hesitancy has been extensive, but the role of information processing in decision making still needs to be explored. The study examines the alignment between parents’ COVID-19 vaccination intentions and actual behavior, focusing on the impact of different kinds of information processing on the consistency or inconsistency of these behaviors. It analyzes parents’ reliance on health information sources, and education levels, with institutional trust, ability to critically evaluate conspiracy theories and scientific knowledge as moderators. A total of 1118 Israeli parents participated in digital surveys and were classified into the following 4 groups based on their initial vaccination intentions and actual behaviors: (1) consistent—pro-vaccine and vaccinated; (2) inconsistent—pro-vaccine but unvaccinated; (3) inconsistent—anti-vaccine but vaccinated; and (4) consistent—anti-vaccine and unvaccinated). The results show that consistent parents process information using system 1, i.e., heuristic information processing, reliance on health information sources, moderated by institutional trust and education. However, inconsistent parents used systems 1 and 2, namely heuristic–systematic information processing, influenced by knowledge of COVID-19 and the ability to assess conspiracy theories critically. Full article

Background/Objectives: Qualitative research suggests there may be identifiable characteristics that form a health professional (HCP) archetype associated with habitual seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). However, the validity of this archetype requires further investigation, ideally within a theoretical framework that can elucidate this association and its generalisability to other vaccines. This study aims to confirm key HCP archetype characteristics associated with SIV, as informed by prior qualitative research findings, and test the generalisability of the association between this archetype and SIV to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Method: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed to an Australian HCP sample consisting of practicing nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and medical practitioners. The anonymous online survey measured key characteristics that predict vaccination behaviour and intention. Results: Most participants (n = 173) demonstrated habitual SIV behaviour (77.91%) associated with the intention to vaccinate in the future. Survey findings supported the HCP archetype, as key constructs were associated with vaccination intention and behaviour, including heightened professional responsibility, vaccine confidence, and protection of self and patients. Furthermore, results suggested progressing vaccination intention to behaviour, overcoming vaccine complacency, is possible through the provision of free, accessible vaccination services. These critical factors were broadly generalisable to the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: A vaccination-positive HCP archetype, supported by access to free, convenient vaccination services, was associated with the likelihood of future vaccination behaviour, including in future pandemic response scenarios. However, it will be important to ensure that HCP vaccine knowledge gaps are minimised to enhance trust in this cohort to enable broad success. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rural communities in the United States experience increased disparity of care for both general healthcare services and access to routine vaccines. Previous research has indicated a 40% lower vaccination rate in rural communities, as compared to urban counterparts. Having a better understanding regarding factors influencing lower vaccination rates in rural areas could help public health officials prepare for future vaccination efforts. This research sought to gather and evaluate the opinions of people who live and work in rural areas regarding barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: A semi-structured qualitative key informant interview design was utilized by researchers to gather opinions from university Extension staff in Washington State. Interview transcripts were analyzed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (ToPB) framework to evaluate COVID-19 vaccination-related intentions and motivational factors that the Extension staff observed among rural populations in their communities. Results: Twenty-one participants representing 34 out of the 40 Extension offices responded and were interviewed during fall 2023. Using the ToPB constructs, nine barriers were identified. Attitude-related barriers included the following: inherent social distancing in rural location negating vaccine necessity; lack of early vaccine availability in rural locales; concerns regarding ineffectiveness of the vaccine; and inadequate dissemination of vaccine information to non-English language speakers and those with limited access to technology. Subjective norm barriers included the following: perception of exclusion of rural populations’ unique needs during design and implementation of vaccine mandates; exertion of social pressures on rural individuals’ vaccine uptake decision; and highly visible breakdown in standard trust in core community institutions and leadership. Barriers related to loss of perceived behavioral control included vaccine mandates impacting self-perceived loss of autonomy and limitations in vaccine technology information impacting perception of vaccine safety. Conclusions: By identifying barriers to vaccination in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, future outreach efforts can be designed to improve intention and lead to stronger vaccination uptake. Full article

Parental willingness is a prerequisite for childhood immunization. This study evaluated whether parental vaccination readiness and willingness, measured using the modified Japanese 7C Vaccination Readiness Scale, predicted vaccination behavior. In December 2021, 2 months before the approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5–11 years in Japan, 1190 parents of children in this age group were surveyed regarding their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The survey utilized an online version of the modified 7C Vaccination Readiness Scale, comprising seven components: Confidence, Complacency, Constraints, Calculation, Collective Responsibility, Compliance, and Conspiracy. The modified 7C components were analyzed for model fit and their association with parental intention using structural equation modeling. The scale demonstrated good model fit (goodness-of-fit index: 0.98), with high standardized factor loadings for parental readiness (factor loadings: 0.84). In January 2024, the same parents were surveyed about their children’s COVID-19 vaccination status (valid responses: 536). The relationship between the components of the modified 7C scale and actual vaccination behavior was examined. Parents with low readiness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 exhibited a significantly higher non-vaccination rate. These findings suggest that the modified 7C scale could support the development of targeted interventions to improve childhood vaccination uptake. Full article

Our study aimed to assess the impact of political affiliation, personal beliefs, and policy measures on the intention to receive routine COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in the coming year. A cross-sectional study of 1256 individuals at Minnesota State and County Fairs was conducted to assess their intention to receive COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccines in the coming year. The association between vaccine intention and political affiliation, belief in collective responsibility, and workplace/school vaccine requirements were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Vaccine intention in the coming year was high among our participants; 65% intended to receive both vaccines, 11% intended to receive only the influenza vaccine, 7% intended to receive only the COVID-19 vaccine, and 17% planned to receive neither. Political affiliation was strongly associated with the intention to receive both vaccines. Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to report plans to receive neither vaccine (aOR: 12.8; 95% CI: 6.2–26.6), or only the influenza vaccine in the coming year (aOR: 8.7; 95% CI: 4.2–17.9). Additionally, those who planned to receive both vaccines were significantly more likely to view vaccines as a collective responsibility. This study highlights the significant influence of political affiliation and beliefs in collective responsibility on vaccine intentions. Full article

Background: This study aims to illuminate the role of perceived crisis responsibility in shaping vaccination intention. By using the case of Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examined whether and how the allocation of crisis responsibility to the government predicts the public’s intention to take vaccines, particularly by investigating its underlying mechanism. Method and Results: Based on a population-representative sample of Hong Kong adults (N = 3188), our results indicated that (1) the attribution of crisis responsibility directly led to lower vaccination intention, and (2) it also had indirect influences on vaccination intention through trust and anger; specifically, the crisis attribution resulted in less willingness to take vaccines via a decreased trust in government health agencies. We also found a serial mediation pathway in which anger aroused by the crisis attribution could decrease trust, which, in turn, yielded lower vaccination intentions. Conclusion: The findings of this study offer theoretical insights into the role of attribution of crisis responsibility in affecting vaccination decisions during a public health emergency. Further, these findings provide directions for crisis managers and public health authorities to develop communication strategies to motivate vaccine uptake and formulate an approach to tackle the pandemic crisis. Full article

Background. Parent vaccine hesitancy is a sensitive topic despite the benefits associated with children’s vaccination. Especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, parents displayed concerns about children’s vaccination, questioning their effectiveness and security. Although several studies were conducted on the general population, few studies investigated this relationship on parents’ intentions. Methods. An online survey was advertised from May to December 2022 on social networks, collecting data from 109 participants (90% F; mean age: 41.34 years, SD: ±6.40). The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy through the Parents Attitude towards Childhood Vaccine—PAVC, trust in science through the Belief in Science Scale—BISS, and conspiracy beliefs through the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale—GCBS. Results. In our sample, 29 parents (26.6%) scored more than 50 points to PAVC and, for this reason, were considered hesitant. Moreover, more than half of parents (60.6%) declared that they did not intend to vaccinate their children in the future. The path analysis model showed that parents with low education tended to have higher conspiracy beliefs (β = −0.40). Holding conspiracy beliefs (β = 0.28) and having low trust in science (β = −0.23) was associated with higher parent hesitancy and, in turn, no future intention to vaccinate their children for COVID-19 (OR = 0.83, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The results of the current paper suggest that targeted campaigns should be aimed at parents with lower levels of education, mainly on social media, debunking the most common fake news or myths, independently from the type of vaccine, and highlighting the importance of scientific research for improving people’s living conditions. Full article

Background: Cervical cancer, predominantly caused by human papillomavirus, remains a major public health issue globally and in Kazakhstan, where it ranks among the most common cancers in women. A pilot HPV vaccination programme in Kazakhstan was suspended in 2017 due to mass parental refusals, and it is planned to be restarted in the coming years. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and sources of information about HPV and the HPV vaccine among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional study (December 2022–May 2023) involving 1189 healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan used a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, mean knowledge score, between-group comparisons, and binary logistic regression to identify factors linked to higher knowledge and vaccine recommendation. Results: The study found that the average knowledge score for HPV and the HPV vaccine among participants was 11 out of a possible 18. Correct answers to the questionnaire were observed more frequently among physicians than among nurses (p < 0.001). In our study, 72.6% of healthcare professionals expressed a positive intention to recommend the HPV vaccine. The likelihood of recommending the HPV vaccine was significantly higher among those with higher knowledge of HPV and its vaccine (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3–2.5; p < 0.001), those familiar with cervical cancer patients (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.5–2.8; p < 0.001), and those with positive attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and childhood vaccination (OR 2.3 and 1.5, respectively). Healthcare professionals identified key barriers to HPV vaccination, including public mistrust (49.4%), fear of side effects (45.9%), and insufficient knowledge among healthcare professionals themselves (30.3%). Information from the internet, including articles and journals, was the most commonly used source of information, followed by social media and colleagues. Conclusions: The disparities identified call for a tailored, multifaceted communication strategy that addresses the diverse needs of health professionals to address the differences in awareness between different groups, in order to ensure successful implementation and coverage of HPV vaccination across Kazakhstan. Full article

Indigenous communities in the United States (U.S.) have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, yet they have led efforts to combat the pandemic by providing local solutions that minimize viral transmission and promote vaccine uptake. Understanding facilitators and barriers to recommended behaviors can increase adherence and reduce COVID-19 transmission. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 19 Indigenous adults residing on Tribal Lands in the Southwest U.S. between June and December 2021. Interview questions explored obstacles and motivators to testing, as well as behavioral recommendations to reduce COVID-19 transmission and increase vaccination. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we identified barriers and facilitators to behavioral change. Barriers to testing included fear of exposure to COVID-19 at testing locations and discomfort from nasal swabs. Facilitators of testing were access, required testing, and protecting loved ones. Barriers to vaccination were discouraging stories about vaccination side effects and uncertainty about the ingredients and effectiveness of vaccines. Another barrier to vaccination was confusion and fairness related to vaccine eligibility, which discouraged some people from becoming vaccinated, despite intentions to do so. This study identified obstacles and motivators influencing COVID-19 testing and vaccination. The results may help address information gaps and improve public health efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission and other similar infectious agents in Indigenous communities. Full article

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, three different types of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, namely BBIBP-CorV, WIBP-CorV and CoronaVac, were manufactured and used for vaccination in China. However, as far as we know, no comparison of their induced serum neutralization has been carried out so far, possibly due to the regional difference in vaccine distribution, the difficulty in undertaking a comprehensive evaluation, and the intention to avoid unnecessary bias in populations for a certain type of inactivated vaccine.Methods: Since all three of these inactivated vaccines are no longer produced and used for vaccination, here, we retrospectively compared the serum neutralizing activities induced by these three different types of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Results: Compared with unvaccinated uninfected control donors, primary inactivated vaccination (232 donors) induced increased serum neutralizing titers against wildtype SARS-CoV-2 in around 70% of donors during the first 100 days. However, the neutralization effect waned quickly after 100 days, and significantly diminished against Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. Moreover, the newly emerged Omicron variants, such as BA.2.75, BA.4/5, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB, almost fully evaded the induced serum neutralization activity. Conclusions: These three distinct types of inactivated vaccines, namely BBIBP-CorV, WIBP-CorV, and CoronaVac, induced serum neutralization in most vaccinated populations but in a short-term and variant-evaded manner with no significant difference among these inactivated vaccines. Full article

Background/Objectives: The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the spotlight on the importance of public health measures and disease prevention. Despite this, the acceptance of influenza vaccination has remained low in most countries (and far from the 75% target set by the World Health Organization). The objective of this study has been to investigate how attitudes and behaviors regarding influenza vaccination in the Spanish adult population have changed over the last three years (from 2021 to 2024) in order to analyze trends in influenza vaccination. Methods: To this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted through 2206 telephone interviews, and the results were compared with those obtained in previous campaigns. Results: The findings indicate a significant decline in overall vaccination intent. Healthcare professionals remain the most influential factor in encouraging vaccination, yet there is a notable increase in the lack of vaccine recommendations, contributing to the decision not to vaccinate. This study also reveals low awareness of the influenza vaccine campaign, emphasizing the need for improved public health communication. Conclusions: To counteract these trends, this study recommends intensifying awareness campaigns, strengthening the role of healthcare providers in vaccine advocacy, and tailoring communication strategies. These efforts are crucial to enhancing vaccination coverage and protecting vulnerable populations against influenza. Full article

Understanding the factors that influence the intention to use vaccines is crucial for implementing effective public health policies. This study examined the impact of various cognitive, affective, normative, and sociodemographic variables on the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the first-generation AstraZeneca vaccine. A survey of 600 residents of Spain was used to assess the influence and hierarchy of the drivers of the intention to vaccinate via least-squares and quantile regressions. The most significant factors were the perceptions of efficacy and social influence, both of which had positive impacts (p < 0.0001). The positive influence of fear of COVID-19 and the negative influence of fear of the vaccine were also significant in shaping the central tendency toward vaccination. However, these fear-related variables, particularly the fear of COVID-19, lost importance in quantile adjustments outside the central tendency. Among the sociodemographic variables, only the negative impact of income was statistically significant. These results are valuable for the development of vaccination policies because they measure the sensitivity of attitudes toward vaccination to exogenous variables not only in the central values, as is common in similar studies, but also across the entire range of responses regarding the intention to vaccinate. This additional analysis, which is not commonly performed in studies on vaccine acceptance, allows us to distinguish between variables which are consistently related to the intention to vaccinate and those that influence only expected responses. Full article

The widespread availability of vaccines has profound implications for sustainable public health. Positive recommendation on vaccination is one of the most effective ways to increase the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the intentions to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for specific groups (IRCVSG) and the intentions to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for non-specific groups (IRCVNSG) in China and explore the mediating role of vaccine hesitancy and perception of vaccination information. This study conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey of adults (N = 903) in 28 provincial-level administrative regions in China in May 2022. The prevalence of IRCVSG and IRCVNSG was 60.5% and 93.0%, respectively. Health information literacy has a significant direct and indirect impact on IRCVSG through safety hesitancy and the perceived adequacy and usefulness of vaccination information. The relationship between health information literacy and IRCVNSG is entirely mediated via hesitation about the effectiveness and perceived usefulness of vaccination information. Special attention should be paid to the safety hesitation of COVID-19 vaccination for specific groups. This study tests these effects from both theoretical and practical perspectives, helping to address barriers to promoting the vaccination of specific groups for COVID-19 in clinical practice, improving health and sustainability. Full article