COVID-19 Vaccination Intention and Vaccine Hesitancy among Patients with Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Rheumatological Diseases: A Survey

Abstract

Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy or refusal has arisen as a major global public health concern. The aim of this study was to address the attitudes of patients with autoimmune and autoinflammatory rheumatological diseases (AIIRDs) about COVID-19 vaccination and investigate the factors that influence their decision. Methods. This interview-based cross-sectional study was carried out on AIIRD patients at the period between 15 August and 15 September 2021. The questionnaire included socioeconomic data, intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine, AIIRD subtype, disease duration, associated comorbidities, history of COVID-19, beliefs and attitudes towards COVID-19, and conventional vaccination in general and COVID-19 vaccine in particular, in addition to COVID-19 vaccination status. Results. A total of 206 AIIRD patients were included, with a mean age of 37.61 years (SD = 10.67), and 84% were females. The percentage of vaccine acceptance was 70.39%, while only 16.02% were hesitant and 13.59% were resistant to COVID-19 vaccination. About one-fourth of patients reported getting infected with COVID-19. Of them, 15.1% were hospitalized and 5.7% were admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU). Most of the AIIRD patients (77.2%) believed that they are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. The main motivation for vaccine acceptance was the fear of being infected (41.4%). About 40% of vaccine nonacceptants fear about the serious side effects of COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion. There is a high acceptability rate of COVID-19 vaccination among AIIRD patients. Public health workers and policymakers must emphasize efficient COVID-19 vaccine acceptance messaging for all AIIRD patients.

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

“…As a result, the vulnerability to virus infection increases and severe disease can result. Compared to the general population, the attitudes of patients with autoimmune diseases regarding vaccination and immunological reaction may differ [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Behavioral health models have not been used in most studies examining particular concerns and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention in patients with autoimmune diseases. Vaccine hesitancy can be an obstacle for people with autoimmune diseases [ 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, understanding the underlying drivers of vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 pandemic is essential from a public-health standpoint.…”

Vaccine Hesitancy Against COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Effect of Specialist Counselling on Vaccine-hesitant Patients

“…Yurttas et al reported that COVID vaccine acceptance could be increased if recommended by a specialist physician which was further affirmed by our study results that noticed a shift in perception after counselling by the treating physician. 14 VAXICOV STUDY categorically stated that the most trusted healthcare professional who can change COVID vaccine hesitancy is the specialist (rheumatologist) followed by the general practitioner. The fact that most patients (91%) in our study agreed to get vaccinated with just single unstructured counselling with a rheumatologist speaks volumes about the important role of specialist can play in ensuring patients with AIRD near-total vaccination coverage.…”

COVID-19-related burnout reduces COVID-19 vaccination intention in cardiac patients: a cross-sectional study in Greece

“…18 Additionally, several studies including patients with chronic medical conditions found higher acceptance rates than our study population ranging from 54.2% to 70.4%. [31][32][33] However, it is probable that these differences could be attributed to the different time that studies were conducted. Moreover, 62% of participants in a study in Greece that was conducted in May 2022 were willing to receive a second booster dose.…”