Changes in Attitudes and Barriers to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination from 2007 to 2023.

This study investigated how factors and barriers to flu vaccination among college students has changed over the past 16 years. Data were collected from 440 students using a survey and compared to previous data from the same university. Respondents were also asked about their experiences with Covid-19 and its effect on their intent to vaccinate. We found that vaccination rates had increased from 12.4 to 30.5%. Among the unvaccinated, expense, fear of getting influenza from vaccination, fear of side effects, and lack of information have decreased by 28%, 20%, 17%, and 15% respectively. Time, convenience, and perceived risk are still significant barriers to vaccination. Students are getting more encouragement to vaccinate from their health care providers and parents, but it is becoming less effective. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed vaccine attitudes and vaccine fatigue has been a large contributor. Additionally, political affiliation has become a predictor of flu vaccine uptake with conservatives being less likely to vaccinate. There has also been a shift in motivation from concern for personal safety to concern for public safety.

Decrease in Overall Vaccine Hesitancy in College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world as we know it and continues to be a global problem three years since the pandemic began. Several vaccines were produced, but there was a considerable amount of societal turmoil surrounding them that has affected the way people view not only COVID-19 vaccines but all vaccines. We used a survey to compare how attitudes towards vaccination have changed in college students during the pandemic. An initial survey was administered in 2021, then a follow-up in 2022. Out of 316 respondents who answered the first survey, 192 completed the follow-up. The survey was designed to measure trends in changes to vaccine attitudes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. By comparing the first survey in 2021 and the follow-up, we found that roughly 55% of respondents' vaccine attitudes did not change, roughly 44% of respondents' attitudes towards vaccines became more positive, and only about 1% of the respondents' vaccine attitudes became more negative. Improved view of vaccines was associated with political views and increased trust in medicine and the healthcare system. Worsened opinions of vaccines were associated with a belief that the COVID-19 vaccine affected fertility.

Cautious Sexual Attitudes Diminish Intent to Vaccinate Children against HPV in Utah.

Although most Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are mild and are cleared by the immune system, some high-risk HPV strains can cause various cancers. Vaccines have been developed that protect against high-risk HPV strains. HPV vaccines have been approved for use by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and are recommended for everyone aged 11-26. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, uptake is low. HPV vaccine uptake has been extensively studied on a national and international level, but less is known about vaccine acceptance on a state or local level. The state of Utah, in the United States of America, has a relatively low HPV vaccination rate. In this study, we identified factors that impact the intent of Utah parents to vaccinate their children against HPV. A survey was distributed electronically to Utah residents. Survey results were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and univariate analysis. Knowledge about HPV and positive vaccine attitudes had the greatest positive effect on intent to vaccinate children against HPV. Cautious sexual attitudes and high religious practice were found to have a negative impact on intent to vaccinate. Effective public health messaging will consider the cultural and religious influences of the target population.

Effects of Religious Practice and Teachings about Sexual Behavior on Intent to Vaccinate against Human Papillomavirus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most infections are mild and clear without treatment in 1 to 2 years. Some HPV strains result in persistent infection, which can cause various cancers, including cervical, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers. Vaccines have been developed that provide protection against the highest risk HPV strains. Despite HPV vaccines having been proven to be safe and effective, uptake has been low. Religiosity has been negatively correlated with HPV vaccine uptake in some studies. It is hypothesized that religiosity and Christian religious affiliation could impact parents' decision to vaccinate their children against HPV via teachings and beliefs about sexual behaviors. A survey was distributed to participants to determine what factors, including religiosity and views about sex, impacted HPV vaccination. The survey results (n = 442) were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and univariate factor analysis. The association between religious practice and vaccine attitudes were complex, with religious practice slightly positively correlated with pro-vaccine attitudes and vaccine knowledge, but also with the belief that religious adherence to expectations surrounding sexual behavior will protect children from HPV infection, as well as more negative views towards vaccines, in general.