COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a multicentre cross-sectional survey in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: effective COVID-19 vaccines for the prevention of severe illness have been available for more than one year now. This study was carried out to ascertain vaccine hesitancy and its associations among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Port Harcourt, a large cosmopolitan town in Nigeria. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional online survey over 2 months among consenting pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the 3 largest obstetric service centers in Port Harcourt to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associations. Results: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 669 (72.2%). Of the respondents, 27 (2.9%) had been infected or had a close family member infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 897 (96.8%) of them had heard of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, only 133 (14.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety of the mother in 260 (32.8%) and the safety of the unborn baby in 114 (14.4%) of the respondents were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A small proportion of women 7(0.9%) were hesitant on religious grounds. Tertiary education, use of childhood immunization for previous infants delivered, and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic at no cost to the women, were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among the respondents. Conclusion: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Port Harcourt was 72.2%. Higher academic achievement and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic were predictors of vaccine uptake, while reasons for hesitancy were mostly due to safety concerns for the mother and unborn baby.

Cobertura vacinal e taxa de abandono nas capitais do nordeste brasileiro entre 2018 e 2022 / Vaccination coverage and abandonment rate in Northeastern Brazilian capitals between 2018 and 2022 / Cobertura de vacunación y tasa de abandono en las capitales del Noreste Brasileño entre 2018 y 2022

Introdução: O Programa Nacional de Imunizações presente na Atenção Primária à Saúde coordena o processo de imunização e o torna mais eficaz, porém esse sistema enfrenta problemas como a falta de acesso à internet e desabastecimento de imunizantes, que prejudicam a cobertura vacinal da população e dificultam o registro eletrônico dos dados indicadores, além de aumentar a taxa de abandono vacinal. Objetivo:Analisar os indicadores de Cobertura Vacinal e Taxa de Abandono nas capitais do Nordeste nos últimos cinco anos. Metodologia:Estudo epidemiológico, quantitativo e descritivo. As nove capitais do Nordeste do Brasil foram selecionadas para o estudo. A temática abordada é a Taxa de Abandono Vacinal e a Cobertura Vacinal nos últimos cinco anos nas capitais. Os dados foram coletados através doSistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização e armazenadosno Microsoft Excel. Resultados:Quanto às taxasde cobertura vacinal, Fortaleza teve o maior percentual, com 74,87%. Maceió obteve o segundo maior índice, com 66,12%. Em relação às taxas de abandono vacinal, Salvador registrou o maior número,com 27,39% nos últimos cinco anos. Não obstante, João Pessoaobteve a menor taxa, com 16,08%. Conclusões:Verificou-se que Fortaleza teve a maiorCobertura Vacinal e Salvador teve a maiorTaxa de Abandono Vacinal.Algumas capitais tiveram redução naCobertura Vacinal e aumento na Taxa de Abandono Vacinalno período pandêmico, indicando a necessidade de mais pesquisas sobre o impacto da Covid-19 e a circulação de informações equivocadas sobre vacinação. Logo, a atuação da atenção primária à saúde é crucial para reverter essa tendência, trabalhando na implementação de campanhas de imunização e na educação em saúde (AU).

Introduction: The National Immunization Program present in Primary Health Carecoordinates the immunization process and makes it more effective, but this system faces problems such as lack of internet access and shortages of immunizers, which underminethe population's vaccination coverage and hinderthe electronic recording of indicator data, besides increasing the vaccination abandonment rate.Objective: To analyze the Vaccination Coverage and AbandonmentRate indicators in theNortheasterncapitalsover the last five years.Methodology: Epidemiological, quantitative and descriptive study. The nine capitals of NortheasternBrazil were selected for the study. The themesaddressed arethe VaccinationAbandonment Rate andtheVaccinationCoverage overthe last five years in the capitals. The data was collected through the National Immunization Program Information System and stored in Microsoft Excel.Results:As for vaccination coverage rates, Fortaleza had the highest percentage, with 74.87%. Maceió obtainedthe second highest index, with 66.12%. Regardingvaccinationabandonment rates, Salvador recordedthe highest number,with 27.39% over the last five years. Nonetheless, João Pessoa obtainedthe lowest rate, with 16.08%. Conclusions:It was found that Fortaleza had the highest Vaccination Coverage and Salvador had the highest VaccinationAbandonment Rate.Some capitals had a reduction in Vaccination Coverage and an increase in the VaccinationAbandonment Rate in the pandemic period, indicating the need for more research aboutthe impact of Covid-19 and the circulation of misinformation about vaccination. Therefore, the role of primary health care is essential forreversing this trend, working on the implementation of immunization campaignsand health education (AU).

Introducción:El Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciónpresente en la Atención Primariade Saludcoordina el proceso de inmunización y lo hace más eficaz, pero este sistema se enfrenta a problemas como la falta de acceso a internet y la escasez de inmunizadores, queperjudicanla cobertura de vacunación de la población y dificultan el registro electrónico de los datos de los indicadores, además de aumentar la tasa de abandono de vacunación.Objetivo:Analizar los indicadores de Cobertura de Vacunación y Tasa de Abandono en las capitales del Nordeste en los últimos cinco años.Metodología:Estudio epidemiológico, cuantitativo y descriptivo. Fueron seleccionadas para el estudio las nueve capitales del Nordeste de Brasil. LostemasabordadossonlasTasa de Abandono deVacunacióny la Cobertura de Vacunación en los últimos cinco años en las capitales. Los datos se recogieron a través del Sistema de Información del Programa Nacional de Inmunización y se almacenaron en Microsoft Excel.Resultados:En cuanto a las tasas de cobertura de vacunación, Fortaleza tuvo el porcentaje más elevado, con un74,87%. Maceióobtuvo lasegunda tasa más alta, con un66,12%. En cuanto a las tasas de abandono de vacunación, Salvador registró la cifra más alta, con un27,39% en los últimos cinco años. Sin embargo, João Pessoa obtuvola tasa más baja, con un16,08%.Conclusiones:Se notó queFortaleza tuvo la mayor Cobertura de Vacunación y Salvadortuvola mayor Tasa de Abandono de Vacunación. Algunas capitales tuvieron una reducción de la Cobertura de Vacunacióny un aumento de la Tasa de Abandono de Vacunacióndurante el período pandémico, indicandola necesidad de más investigaciones sobre el impacto de laCovid-19 y la circulación de información errónea sobre la vacunación. Por lo tanto, el rolde la atención primaria de salud es crucial para revertiresta tendencia, trabajando en la implementación de campañas de inmunización y educación sanitaria (AU).

Hesitação vacinal: tópicos para (re)pensar políticas de imunização / Vaccine hesitancy: topics for (re)thinking immunization policies / Vacilación vacunal: temas para (re)pensar políticas de inmunización

A vacinação/imunização de rotina é intrínseca à prática da Atenção Primária à Saúde em todo o Brasil. Nos últimos anos, o país vem enfrentando questões como a queda e a heterogeneidade da cobertura vacinal, motivadas por determinantes diversos, um deles a hesitação vacinal. Este artigo de perspectiva pretende oferecer às/aos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde outro olhar sobre o fenômeno da hesitação vacinal, com lentes múltiplas e específicas ao contexto, que permitam compreendê-lo em sua complexidade.

Routine vaccination/immunization is intrinsic to the Primary Health Care practice throughout Brazil. For the past few years, the country has faced issues such as the fall and heterogeneity of vaccination uptake rates, motivated by different causes, one of which is vaccine hesitancy. This perspective article intends to offer Primary Health Care professionals another look at the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy, with multiple and context-specific lenses, which allow them to approach the theme and understand it in its complexity.

La vacunación/inmunización de rutina es intrínseca a la práctica de la Atención Primaria de Salud en todo Brasil. En los últimos años, el país ha venido enfrentando problemas como la caída y la heterogeneidad de las coberturas de vacunación, motivados por diferentes determinantes, una de ellas es la vacilación en la vacunación. Este artículo en perspectiva pretende ofrecer a los profesionales de Atención Primaria una mirada al fenómeno de la vacilación vacunal, con lentes múltiples y contextuales, que les permitan abordar el tema y comprenderlo en su complejidad.

Confianza y renuencia ante la vacuna contra la enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) / Vaccine trust and reluctance against SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19)

Introducción: Las vacunas han sido uno de los inventos más relevantes en el ámbito de la salud pública, debido al poder que tienen de erradicar epidemias y prevenir complicaciones y muertes. Sin embargo, la renuencia ha predominado. Objetivo: evaluar la confianza y renuencia ante la vacuna contra el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) por parte de la población de las Salinas de Baní, provincia Peravia. Metodología: Paradigma positivista, de tipo descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y de corte transversal. La población total fue de 708 personas adultas, residentes en la comunidad de las Salinas de Baní, con una muestra aleatoria de 170 pacientes. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante un formulario (anexo #1) aplicado en el período agosto-septiembre 2021. Resultados: El 20.69% de la población confía en la vacuna; el nivel de confianza mayormente atribuido fue el nivel 10 con un 36.45%; el 46.52% de la población está conforme con su acerca de la vacuna; el grupo etario con mayor duda sobre aplicarse la vacuna es el de 21-29 años, y la religión no fue un factor influyente para vacunarse. Conclusiones: A pesar del rápido desarrollo e introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19, la mayoría de la población le atribuyen un alto nivel de confianza.

Background: Vaccines have been one of the most re-levant inventions in the field of public health, due to the power they have to eradicate epidemics and prevent complications and deaths. Despite this, reluctance and hesitation have prevailed. Objective: To evaluate the confidence and reluctance towards the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) by the population of Las Salinas of Baní, Peravia pro-vince. Methodology: This study is a positivist paradigm, des-criptive, observational, prospective, and cross-sectional. The total population was 708 adults, residing in the community of Salinas de Baní, with a random sample of 170 patients. The data were collected using a form (an-nex # 1) applied in the period August-September 2021. Results: 20.69% of the population trust the vaccine; the confidence level most attributed was level 10 with 36.45%; 46.52% of the population is satisfied with the level of knowledge they have about the vaccine; the age group with the greatest hesitancy about using the vac-cine is 21-29 years old, with 12.94% of the population and religion was not an influential factor in getting vac-cinated. Conclusións: Despite the rapid development and in-troduction of COVID-19 vaccines and not having enough information about them, the majority of this population attribute a high level of confidence to it.

Factors Related to Low COVID-19 Vaccination Rate in Pregnant and Postpartum Women with and without COVID-19 / Fatores relacionados à baixa taxa de vacinação contra COVID-19 em gestantes e puérperas com e sem COVID-19

Abstract Objective This study focused on pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to determine the attitudes and behaviors of vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, and the vaccination behaviors in the groups with and without the disease. The reasons for refusing the vaccine were also questioned. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from September 2021 to October 2021. The study data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The participants were pregnant women who applied to the hospital for routine antenatal care and were hospitalized, and women in the postpartum period. Additionally, pregnant and postpartum patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of admission and were hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit due to this disease were also included in the study. Results A total of 1,146 pregnant and postpartum women who completed the questionnaire were included in our study. Only 43 (3.8%) of the participants were vaccinated; 154 (13.4%) of the participants had comorbidities. The number of COVID-19-positive patients was 153. The lack of sufficient information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is the most common reason for the refusal. Conclusion Vaccine refusal can significantly delay or hinder herd immunity, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality. Considering the adverse effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, it is essential to understand pregnant and postpartum women's perceptions toward vaccination to end the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in an antenatal clinic in Durban, South Africa

Background: Mass administration of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the most efficient intervention against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Recently, vaccinations were shown to be safe and effective during pregnancy. However, vaccination rates are low in low- and middle-income countries, and vaccine hesitancy is a major limiting factor. Objectives: To investigate the rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based investigation of 313 unvaccinated pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in Durban, South Africa (SA). The questionnaire included clinical and socio-demographic data, and reasons for vaccine hesitancy were recorded and evaluated. Results: Of 313 women participating, 126 (40.3%) were vaccinated against COVID-19, 21/313 = 6.7%; for those unvaccinated, 21/187 (13.9%) were planning to be vaccinated. However, most unvaccinated women, 174 of 187 (93%), showed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: The COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among pregnant women in Durban, SA, is exceptionally high. This requires urgent attention by the relevant health authorities (both professional health organisations and the SA Department of Health) as many countries experience different waves of the variants of SARS-CoV-2 and herd immunity may not have been achieved. Contribution: This study showed a high vaccine acceptance hesitancy rate among pregnant women in SA.

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health personnel in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background. Health care personnel constitute a group at high risk of contracting COVID-19. However, the vaccination rate in this group in our context remains low. The objective of our study was to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care workers in Yaounde. Methods.We conducted a cross-sectional study of 360 health personnel in three hospitals in the city of Yaounde from January to March 2022, i.e., 3 months. All health personnel who gave their free consent were included. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics and Research Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde I. A logistic regression was performed to search for factors associated with reluctance to vaccinate, with a significance level of 0.05. Results.The vaccination rate against COVID-19 was 34% (123). Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were female gender (OR [95% CI] =3.5[2.2-5.5]; p<0.001), working outside a COVID-19 management unit (OR [95% CI]=6, [2.1-18.5]; p=0.001), fear of the harmfulness of COVID-19 vaccines (OR [CI 95%] =2.7[1.7-4.2]; p<0.001), and doubt of vaccine efficacy (OR [CI 95%] =4.0[2.5-6.4]; p<0.001). Conclusion:Health personnel are still reluctant to vaccinate in our context. Factors associated with hesitancy to vaccination against COVID-19 could help deconstruct apprehensions.

Introduction. La pandémie de la COVID-19 a ajouté un fardeau supplémentaire dans les pays aux systèmes de santé déjà fragiles. Objectif : déterminer la prévalence et la séroprévalence de la COVID-19 en cas de suspicion du paludisme au cours de la deuxième vagueà Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Une étude transversale descriptive a été menée au Centre Médical le Jourdain pendant 8 semaines du 19 Avril au 13 Juin 2021 soit durant la deuxième vague au Cameroun. Pour les 86 patients avec suspicion de paludisme, des prélèvements nasopharyngé et sanguins ont été réalisés pour la recherche d'antigène du SRAS- CoV 2 et des IgG et IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 grâce aux kits STANDARDTM Q COVID-19 Ag de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 et StandardTM Q COVID 19 Ac IgG/IgM de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 respectivement. La confirmation du paludisme a été faite grâce à l'examen microscopique des étalements de sang colorés. Résultats. Le paludisme était confirmé dans 20,9% (18) des cas. Les prévalences de la COVID-19 et de la coïnfection COVID19/Paludisme étaient de 8,1% et de 0,9% respectivement. Sur les 25,6% (54) des patients avec des IgM anti-COVID-19, aucun cas de microscopie positive n'a été retrouvé. Par ailleurs un peu plus de la moitié des patients avaient des anticorps IgG anti-COVID-19 qu'ils aient une goutte épaisse positive ou pas soit 56,0% (42/75) et 52,2% (71/136) respectivement. Conclusion. En cas de suspicion du paludisme en zone impaludée, il parait non négligeable de considérer la COVID-19 comme un diagnostic différentiel.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single-centered study

Introduction: as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are distributed and administered globally, hesitancy towards the vaccine hinders the immunisation of a significant number of vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, this study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending clinicaloutpatient follow-up at State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri (SSHM), Borno State, Nigeria. Methods: a hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 344 PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the United States President´s Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) clinic in SSHM from 4 th January to 25th February 2022. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The results were presented using frequencies and percentages. The factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified using the Chi-square statistical test. Results: among the 344 respondents of the study, only 88 (26.6%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of the 256 respondents that did not receive the vaccine, only 10.5% (27/256) are willing to be vaccinated, while the majority; 57.8% (148/256) are not willing to be vaccinated and 31.7% (81/256) of the respondents are uncertain, thus resulting in a hesitation rate of 89.45%. There was no statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the study´s independent variables; where p-value is greater than 0.05. Conclusion: hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine is high among PLHIV and there is no any statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the independent variables of the study where p-value is greater than 0.05. Hence, it is necessary to develop targeted strategies to boost vaccine uptake among this vulnerable population.

Reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine uptake in Nigeria

By May 30th, 2022, there were 526,182,662 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,286,057 deaths globally; of which Nigeria had recorded 256,028 confirmed cases and 3,143 deaths. By the same time, Nigeria had received a total of 93.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, enough to vaccinate 25% of the population however, only 27.4 million people (13.3% of the population) had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This article examines available evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria and makes recommendations for improving its uptake. Major causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy identified in Nigeria were concerns around vaccine efficacy and safety, disbelief in the existence and severity of the disease, and distrust of the government. To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage in Nigeria, a mapping of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy across geographies and demographics, increased stakeholder communication, and effective community engagement are needed.

A rapid increase in coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, Central African Republic

Problem In 2021, Central African Republic was facing multiple challenges in vaccinating its population against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including inadequate infrastructure and funding, a shortage of health workers and vaccine hesitancy among the population. Approach To increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage, the health ministry used three main approaches: (i) task shifting to train and equip existing community health workers (CHWs) to deliver COVID-19 vaccination; (ii) evidence gathering to understand people's reluctance to be vaccinated; and (iii) bundling of COVID-19 vaccination with the polio vaccination programme. Local setting Central African Republic is a fragile country with almost two thirds of its population in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite conducting two major COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, by January 2022 only 9% (503 000 people) of the 5 570 659 general population were fully vaccinated. Relevant changes In the 6 months from February to July 2022, Central African Republic tripled its coverage of COVID-19 vaccination to 29% (1 615 492 out of 5 570 659 people) by August 2022. The integrated polio­COVID-19 campaign enabled an additional 136 040 and 218 978 people to be vaccinated in the first and second rounds respectively, at no extra cost. Evidence obtained through surveys and focus group discussions enabled the health ministry to develop communication strategies to dispel vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions. Lessons learnt Task shifting COVID-19 vaccination to CHWs can be an efficient solution for rapid scaling-up of vaccination campaigns. Building trust with the community is also important for addressing complex health issues such as vaccine hesitancy. Collaborative efforts are necessary to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk and vulnerable populations.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in two general hospitals in Benguet: A cross-sectional study

Background@#Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) started COVID-19 vaccination among its employees in March 2021. Although there was an observed substantial increase in vaccine acceptance, a better understanding on the factors associated with hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccine is necessary to further strengthen efforts and focus on the caveats regarding vaccine acceptance.@*Objective@#The study aimed to determine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCW) in two general hospitals in Benguet.@*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW in BGHMC and BeGH for 1 month. Total enumeration sampling was used which included 222 participants but only 85 responded. A modified questionnaire was used to describe the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Chisquare test was used to observe the association between clinicodemographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the HCW in BGHMC and BeGH.@*Results@#The results showed that young, female, non-clinical workers with direct contact with COVID-19 patients, previous COVID-19 infection, and without comorbidities were more likely to be hesitant. The study identified various internal, external, and vaccination-specific factors that influenced vaccine hesitancy, such as concerns about adverse effects, their impending risk in contracting COVID-19 at workplace, and thoughts about yearly booster dose. These findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in the Philippines is complex and influenced by a range of factors.@*Conclusion@#The study can be used to develop targeted interventions to address concerns about vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake among healthcare workers. The development of an equitable approach such as an effective and inclusive vaccine policy that does not feel mandatory for this population will foster trust in the healthcare system.

Hesitação Vacinal em Ambulatório-Escola / Vaccine Hesitation in a School Outpatient Clinic

Introdução: Hesitação vacinal é o atraso em aceitar ou a recusa das vacinas recomendadas. A Organização Mundial da Saúde recomenda uma cobertura vacinal por volta de 95% para garantir os benefícios da vacinação. Apesar disso, a hesitação em vacinar é crescente, o que deixa parte da população suscetível a doenças imunopreveníveis e favorece o ressurgimento de enfermidades já erradicadas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a hesitação vacinal e fatores associados a esta em um ambulatório-escola no sul de Santa Catarina. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal realizado em ambulatório-escola no período de outubro a dezembro de 2019. Resultados: O estudo foi composto por 221 responsáveis por crianças e adolescentes até 16 anos. Apesar de todos os responsáveis exporem que vacinam os seus filhos, 84,2% estavam com a carteira de vacinação atualizada. A prevalência de hesitação vacinal foi de 20,09%, e os principais motivos destacados foram a preocupação com os efeitos adversos e a falta de segurança em realizá-las. Em relação à intensidade da hesitação, 52,77% deixaram de aplicar somente uma vacina recomendada, e 41,66% vacinaram, mesmo hesitando. Entre aqueles que já hesitaram, 65,62% não imunizaram seus filhos contra o vírus Influenza. Conclusão: Apesar de a maioria vacinar seus filhos, a taxa de hesitação encontrada não pode ser ignorada, devendo ser revertida. Para isso, se faz necessário o desenvolvimento de programas e campanhas informativas para o esclarecimento da população local frente à importância e aos benefícios da vacinação.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is the delay in acceptance or refusal of recommended vaccines. The World Health Organization recommends around 95% vaccination coverage to ensure the benefits of vaccination. Despite this, hesitancy to vaccinate is increasing, leaving part of the population susceptible to immunopreventable diseases and favoring the resurgence of already eradicated diseases. This study aimed to identify vaccine hesitancy and associated factors in a school outpatient clinic in southern Santa Catarina. Methods: The study carried out a cross-sectional observational study in a school outpatient clinic from October to December 2019. Results: The 221 guardians of children and adolescents up to 16 years composed the research. Although all guardians exposed that they vaccinate their children, 84.2% were with the vaccination cards updated. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 20.09%, and the main reasons highlighted were concern about adverse effects and lack of safety when vaccinating. Concerning the intensity of hesitancy, 52.77% failed to apply only one recommended vaccine, and 41.66% were vaccinated even though they hesitated. Among those who hesitated, 65.62% did not immunize their children against the influenza virus. Conclusions: Although the majority vaccinate their children, the hesitancy rate found cannot be ignored and should be reversed. For this, it is necessary to develop informative programs and campaigns to educate the local population about the importance and benefits of vaccination.

Vaccine hesitation and the 'pandemic' of the unvaccined: What to do to face the new "Vaccine Revolt"? / Hesitação vacinal e a 'pandemia' dos não vacinados: o que fazer para enfrentar a nova "Revolta da Vacina"?

The frequency of people hesitating to get vaccinated is increasing worldwide and regarding the covid-19 pandemic, this phenomenon has been increasingly noticed at a national level. This article exposes a brief presentation of the historical factors of this phenomenon, approaches its main determinants and conceptual model, in addition to presenting a set of communication strategies in vaccine health that can be implemented to face this problem to raise the credibility and adherence to immunizations (AU)

A frequência da hesitação vacinal está aumentando em todo o mundo e, no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19, esse fenômeno vem sendo cada vez mais percebido no âmbito nacional. No presente trabalho, realizamos uma breve apresentação de fatores históricos desse fenômeno, abordamos seus principais determinantes e modelo conceitual, além de apresentar um conjunto de estratégias de (edu)comunicação em saúde vacinal que podem ser implementadas para enfrentamento dessa problemática com vista a elevar a credibilidade e a adesão às imunizações (AU)

Knowledge about, attitude and acceptance towards, and predictors of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients in Eastern China: A cross-sectional survey / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a serious impact on health all over the world. Cancer patient, whose immunity is often compromised, faces a huge challenge. Currently, some COVID-19 vaccines are being developed and applied on general population; however, whether cancer patients should take COVID-19 vaccine remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, acceptance, and predictors of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients in Eastern China.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern China from June 17th to September 3rd, 2021. Patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. A self-report questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, attitude towards the vaccine and acceptance of the vaccine; following a review of similar studies previously published in the scientific literature, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.@*RESULTS@#A total of 2158 cancer patients were enrolled in this study. The rate of vaccine hesitancy was 24.05% (519/2158); further, among the participants of vaccine acceptance, 767 had taken COVID-19 vaccine (35.54%), and 872 were willing to get vaccinated (40.01%). A total of 24 variables including demographic characteristics, clinical status of cancer, impact of COVID-19 pandemic on study participants, patients' knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, and attitude towards the vaccine, had significant differences between the "vaccine hesitancy" population and "vaccine acceptance" population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that parameters including alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 1.849; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.375-2.488; P-reference [P-Ref] < 0.001 vs non-drinkers), income impacted by COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 1.930, 2.037 and 2.688 for mild, moderate, and severe impact, respectively; all P-Ref < 0.01 vs no impact), knowledge of how the vaccine was developed (OR = 1.616; 95% CI: 1.126-2.318; P-Ref = 0.009 vs unknown), believing in the safety of the vaccine (OR = 1.502; 95% CI: 1.024-2.203; P-Ref = 0.038 vs denying the safety of vaccine), willingness to pay for the vaccine (OR = 3.042; 95% CI: 2.376-3.894; P-Ref < 0.001 vs unwilling), and willingness to recommend families and friends to get vaccinated (OR = 2.744; 95% CI: 1.759-4.280; P-Ref < 0.001 vs do not recommend) were contributors to vaccine acceptance. While such as being retired (OR = 0.586; 95% CI: 0.438-0.784; P-Ref < 0.001 vs unemployed), undergoing multiple therapies of cancer (OR = 0.408; 95% CI: 0.221-0.753; P-Ref = 0.004 vs no ongoing treatment), and worrying that the vaccine might deteriorate the prognosis of cancer (OR = 0.393; 95% CI: 0.307-0.504; P-Ref < 0.001 vs might not) were contributors to vaccine hesitancy.@*CONCLUSION@#This study provided preliminary estimates of the rates of vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy among cancer patients in Eastern China. The intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was impacted by factors such as patient occupation, alcohol consumption, and some parts of knowledge about and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended to develop individualized vaccination plans that meet the healthcare needs of cancer patients.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and its Reasons in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy becomes the major bottleneck to the global healthcare system in minimizing the spread of the virus. This study aimed at assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its reasons among residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 16 to 29, 2021 in purposively selected four districts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was developed and then designed on Google Forms platforms to collect data from study participants after obtaining a verbal consent form. A total of 422 study participants were included in the survey. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. RESULTS: Face masks and alcohol hand rub/ sanitizer are used by 50. 7 and 24.9% of respondents when required. COVID-19 was thought to have been generated by humans by a substantial percentage of study participants (38.2%). About half (50.7%) and 24.9% of respondents use face masks and alcohol hand rub/sanitizer always when it is required, respectively. A large number of study participants (38.2%) believed that origin of COVID-19 is man-made. Overall, 242 (57.4%) of study participants reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Fear of vaccine side effects (49.6%) was the most common reason for hesitancy. Doubt about its effectiveness (33.9%), not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine, preferring another way of protection, and unreliable of the vaccine (due to its short development period) were also the most frequently mentioned reasons for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was high in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the study period. Fear of side effects, doubts about its effectiveness, and not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine were major reasons for hesitancy. Continuous awareness creation to the community on the importance of vaccination is warranted by health professionals and healthcare cadres.

Situação vacinal de crianças cadastradas em equipes de saúde da família / Vaccine situation of children registered in family health teams / Situación de vacunas de niños matriculados en los equipos de salud familiar

Objetivo: analisar a situação vacinal de crianças menores de três anos, cadastradas em Equipes de Saúde da Família. Método: estudo transversal, realizado em Unidades de Saúde da Família de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil, com 424 cadernetas de crianças menores de três anos. Os dados foram coletados entre maio e novembro de 2019, com o auxílio de um instrumento elaborado conforme Caderneta da Criança, e analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: 295 (69,6%) cadernetas estavam atualizadas conforme idade da criança, com maior porcentagem de atraso 58 (40%) nas cadernetas de crianças entre 12 e 23 meses. As vacinas mais registradas foram BCG e Hepatite B. Crianças do sexo masculino e entre 12 e 23 meses apresentaram associação significante com atualização vacinal. Conclusão: a cobertura vacinal está abaixo do recomendado, sendo necessárias campanhas de orientação a população para melhor adesão as vacinas e busca ativa de crianças com atraso vacinal.

Objective: to analyze the vaccination status of children under three years old, registered in Family Health Teams. Method: cross-sectional study carried out in Family Health Units in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, with 424 booklets for children under three years of age. Data were collected between May and November 2019, with the help of an instrument prepared according to the Child Handbook, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: 295 (69,6%) booklets were updated according to the child's age, with a higher percentage of delay 58 (40%) in the booklets of children between 12 and 23 months. The most registered vaccines were BCG and Hepatitis B. Male children aged between 12 and 23 months showed a significant association with vaccination update. Conclusion: vaccination coverage is below what is recommended, and campaigns are needed to guide the population for better adherence to vaccines and an active search for children with delayed vaccinations.

Objetivo: analizar el estado de vacunación de los niños menores de tres años, registrados en los Equipos de Salud de la Familia. Método: estudio transversal realizado en Unidades de Salud de la Familia en João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil, con 424 folletos para niños menores de tres años. Los datos fueron recolectados entre mayo y noviembre de 2019, con la ayuda de un instrumento elaborado según el Manual del Niño, y analizados mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: 295 (69,6%) cuadernillos se actualizaron según la edad del niño, con mayor porcentaje de atraso 58 (40%) en los cuadernillos de niños entre 12 y 23 meses. Las vacunas más registradas fueron BCG y Hepatitis B. Los niños varones de entre 12 y 23 meses mostraron una asociación significativa con la actualización de la vacunación. Conclusión: la cobertura de vacunación está por debajo de lo recomendado, y se necesitan campañas que orienten a la población para una mejor adherencia a las vacunas y una búsqueda activa de niños con vacunación tardía.

Is social media promoting covid-19 vaccine uptake? A case of hausa language youtube videos

The importance of social media in spreading health information, COVID-19 inclusive cannot be over emphasized and YouTube as one of the social media platforms is the most popular video-sharing platform widely. Studies in other languages showed that, videos on YouTube spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine. Objective: To assess the nature of information in Hausa language YouTube videos on COVID-19 vaccine uptake.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of Hausa language YouTube videos on COVID-19 vaccine uptake. A filtered search was conducted on YouTube on 19th September, 2021 using the Hausa words for Coronavirus Vaccine as search terms. The words used were "Allurar Rigakafin Coronavirus" and "Rigakafin coronavirus". Fifty-five videos were included, YouTube video information were collected and video source and video metrics categorization were also collected. The videos were assessed to determine if they were pro-vaccination and for content, by extracting data based on information on COVID-19 vaccination contained in the videos using a predesigned proforma. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 20. Results: About 65% of the videos had views of 0-100 with no dislike and were uploaded in the last 6 months. Only about onethird (36.4%) of the videos were pro-vaccination. Factual information on COVID-19 vaccine and information on vaccine safety, efficacy, side effects and dangers of vaccine rejection were contained in 36.4% or less of the videos. Outright misinformation was contained in as much as 25.5% of the videos. Conclusion: Most of the Hausa language YouTube videos on COVID-19 vaccine uptake were not pro-vaccination, they were not sufficiently informative on COVID-19 and some contained misinformation. Such videos with questionable content should be deleted from YouTube to forestall misleading the populace

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among healthcare professionals in the Kintampo North Municipality, Bono East Region, Ghana

tives: To assess the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitation among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana. Design: An analytical cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was carried out in the Kintampo North Municipality. Participants: All health care professionals within the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana. Main outcome measure: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Results: In all, 215 HCPs were included in this study. The overall vaccine acceptance was 78.6% among HCPs, while 21.4% were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority (57.7%) of HCPs believed that COVID-19 vaccines were safe. The following factors were found to influence vaccine acceptance significantly; those who knew someone who has taken the vaccine (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]; 14.9, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI];5.0-45.0, p<0.001), those who think COVID -19 vaccine in Ghana was safe (AOR;9.2, 95%CI;3.3-25.8, P<0.001), those who said vaccines are effective in controlling COVID-19 transmission (aOR=5.0, 95%CI;2.1-12.4, p<0.001), and those who have never refused vaccines in the past (aOR=7.8, 95CI;1.6-37.8, p=0.01). Conclusion: The study indicated high COVID-19 vaccination acceptability among HCPs. However, some HCPs are hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccinations immediately. Increased adoption of COVID-19 vaccinations among HCPs and the broader Ghanaian population requires concerted efforts, including strengthening public health education on the perceived risks and safety of COVID-19 vaccines

Estado de vacunación y condición serológica del personal de salud de Córdoba, Argentina. Sector Público y Privado / Vaccination status and serologic condition in health personnel in Córdoba, Argentina

Introducción: el personal de salud (PS) tiene mayor riesgo de exposición/transmisión de enfermedades, siendo la vacunación un medio eficaz para reducirlo.Objetivos: evaluar estado de vacunación del lPS. Detectar factores de vacunación incompleta. Estado serológico (VHB, VHC, VIH).Material y métodos: estudio multicéntrico, observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal. Se encuestó 30 % del PS de 3 instituciones públi-cas y 2 privadas de Córdoba en marzo/abril de 2013. Recomendaciones Argentina: hepatitis B (HB), sarampión/rubéola (SR), difteria, tétanos, pertusis (dT/dTpa) e influenza. Análisis bivariado, prueba del Chi-cua-drado. Epidat 3.1.Resultados: total 676 encuestas. Esquema completo 20 % (estu-diantes 38 %, médicos 18 %, enfermeros 18 %, radiología 7 %, lim-pieza 5 %). Esquema vigente dT/dTpa: 78 %. Esquema HB: 64 %. In-fluenza 2012: 55 %. SR: 46 %. Motivos de vacunación incompleta: 28 % desconocía indicación, 23 % falta de interés, 2 % otros moti-vos, 2 % no acepta vacunación, 45 % no contestó. Conocen su con-dición serológica de VIH 63 %, VHB: 52 %, VHC: 44 %. Sector público (n = 546) vs privado (n = 130): esquema comple-to 21,24 % vs 14,61 % (p = 0,08). HB 66 % vs 54 % (p = 0,0099) dT/dTpa 81 % vs 65 % (p = 0,0001). SR 46 % vs 45 % (p = 0,87). Influenza 56 % vs 49 % (p = 0,12). Conclusión: el esquema de vacunación es incom-pleto en alto porcentaje de encuestados, principal-mente personal de limpieza; causa predominante: desconocimiento de indicación y desinterés. Ma-yor cobertura para dT/dTpa y HB. No hay diferen-cias entre sector público y privado respecto de es-quema completo. El sector público presenta mejor cobertura para HB y dT/dTpa, estadísticamente significativa. El test del VIH es el realizado con mayor frecuencia. Son necesarias campañas para concientizar y mejorar niveles de cobertura de vacunación

Introduction: Health personnel (HP) have higher risk of exposure/transmission of diseases, vaccination remains an effective means to reduce it.Objectives: Evaluate recommended vaccination in HP. Detect conditions of incomplete vaccination. Assess knowledge of their serological status: HBV, HCV, HIV.Material and Methods: Multicenter, observational, analitic, cross-sectional, conducted in 3 public hospitals and 2 private institutions Cba, Arg. We surveyed 10-30% of staff in each institution during March-April 2013. Recommendations Arg: Hepatitis B, Measles/Rubella (MR) Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) and Influenza. Bivariate analysis, using X2 test. Results: 676 surveys were completed. Complete vaccination: 20% (students 38%, physicians 18%, nurses 18%, lab 13%, radiology 7%, cleaners 5%). Current scheme for Td / Tdap: 78%. Hepatitis B:64%. Influenza vaccine: 55%, MR: 46%. Analysis by public (n=546) vs. private (n=130): Full scheme 21,24%vs14,61% (p=0.08). Hepatitis B 66%vs54%(p=0.0099). Td/Tdap 81%vs65% (p=0.0001). MR 46%vs45% (p=0.87). Influenza 56%vs49% (p=0.12). Causes of incomplete vaccination: 28% unknow this indication, 23% lack of interest. Know their serologic status: HIV 63%, HBV 52%, HCV 44%. Conclusion: High percentage of workers has incomplete vaccination.Lack of indication and lack of interest are the reasons most frequently detected. Better coverage for Td/Tdap and HB. Public or private sector does not predict better coverage but HB and Td/Tdapin public sector has a statistically significantly better coverag. Low percentage of respondents known their serological status. The HIV test is the most frequently performed. Designed campaigns are needed to increase vaccination coverageand to stimulating the knowledge of serological status of HP