COVID-19 Impact and Vaccination Willingness among Romanian Patients with Autoimmune/Immune-Mediated Diseases

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with immune diseases are a vulnerable population. We aimed to evaluate their access to medical care, as well as their awareness and willingness to obtain the vaccine after a year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on a questionnaire basis, handled both online as well as in person. Results: 651 patients with autoimmune or immune mediated diseases were enrolled. More than half (339/641 [53%]) reported difficulties in obtaining medical care throughout the pandemic and 135/651 ([21%]) of them were confirmed with COVID-19; 442/651, ([68%]) expressed their willingness to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The factors associated with an increased probability of vaccination were the male gender (OR = 2.01, CI95% 1.2–3.7, p = 0.001), the patient’s opinion that she/he was well informed (OR = 3.2, CI 95% 2.1–6.01, p < 0.001), physician’s advice (OR = 2.1, CI 95% 1.3–3.5, p < 0.001), and flu vaccination in the past (OR = 1.5, CI 95% 1.1–2.3, p < 0.001), while those associated with a decreased probability of vaccination were COVID-19 disease in the past medical history (OR = 0.7, CI 95% 0.3-0.95, p = 0.02), and the opinion that patients with autoimmune diseases are at increased risk for adverse reactions (OR = 0.7, CI95% 0.53–0.89, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Given the fact that considering themselves informed regarding vaccination is the most important factor in order to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, effective information campaigns would substantially increase willingness.

COVID-19 Vaccination Intention in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases in Indonesia: An Application of the Integrated Behavioural Model

“…However, 6.7 percent of individuals indicated they would not be vaccinated, while 35.4 percent were doubtful. This finding is similar to previous studies [ 2 , 8 , 9 ], and does not differ much from findings among the general population [ 2 , 9 ]. However, it is much lower than a study by Correa-Rodriguez et al, which found that 96.7 percent of respondents planned to be COVID-19 vaccinated [ 10 ].…”

“…Meanwhile, it was found that having comorbidities and a personal history of COVID-19 infection are negatively correlated with the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. The latter finding has also been reported in a previous study that included 651 patients with autoimmune diseases [ 8 ]. This might be due to the common belief that being infected with COVID-19 provides enough immunity against COVID-19 reinfection.…”

Riding the Pandemic Waves—Lessons to Be Learned from the COVID-19 Crisis Management in Romania

“…According to several studies, access to health services in Romania was also disrupted in several phases of 2020 and 2021, which may have contributed to an increase in health losses [ 72 , 73 ]. According to the results of our study, in 2021, Romania had one of the highest cumulative excess mortality rates in the European Union.…”