Reasons for the Intention to Refuse COVID-19 Vaccination and Their Association with Preferred Sources of Information in a Nationwide, Population-Based Sample in Italy, before COVID-19 Vaccines Roll Out

Abstract

Sources of information on health and vaccines such as social media, online forums, televisions, and newspapers contributed to the spread of information related to COVID-19 and, in some cases, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Understanding what can influence the intention to refuse COVID-19 vaccination may help to plan future public health strategies aimed at increasing vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess the reasons for the intention to refuse the COVID-19 vaccines and the possible association between these reasons and the preferred sources of information on vaccines. An anonymous online survey was shared among the general adult population living in Italy. Only participants aged 18 or older and living in Italy were considered eligible. The questionnaires that reported the intention to refuse COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed. A total of 677 participants (from 7563 valid questionnaires) reported the intention to refuse to vaccinate against COVID-19. Most of them used search engines (n = 390, 57.6%) to seek information about vaccines, while the fear of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine was the most mentioned reason for being unwilling to get vaccinated (n = 402, 59.4%). These data may be important to build new knowledge on the impact that different sources of information can have on the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Knowledge of University Students in Health Care Settings on Vaccines and Vaccinations Strategies: Impact Evaluation of a Specific Educational Training Course during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Italy

“…Within the University context, extracurricular courses and activities such as the ETA presented in this manuscript become therefore particularly important, as they represent a powerful tool to increase medical students’ knowledge and engagement with the topic of vaccination. This should not be underestimated, as the importance of different sources of information on vaccines and vaccination has recently been highlighted due to its potential impact on the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or promote COVID-19 vaccination [ 14 ]. Moreover, ETAs are generally well accepted and welcomed by the students, as also shown by the results of the anonymous satisfactory questionnaire on the ETA presented in this manuscript.…”

Health and Well-Being through COVID-19 Vaccination: Physical, Oral, and Psychological Effects

“…Oral adverse reactions can encompass xerostomia, thirst, and alterations in gustation and olfaction [ 8 , 9 ]. Psychological adverse reactions can include vaccine hesitancy [ 10 , 11 ], and anxiety and fear related to the vaccine and its potential adverse reactions [ 12 , 13 ]. However, it is essential to note that most adverse reactions reported have been mild and temporary, and the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccination remain unknown.…”

Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination on Social Media: A Cross-Platform Analysis

“…However, the influence of social media on attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 is unclear. Social media’s negative and positive effects on the perception of safety and the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 have been reported [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. The analysis of vaccine-related social media opinions is especially important considering the high dynamic of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in society [ 15 , 16 ].…”