Understanding Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy Among the Romanian Population: Insights Into Covid-19 Vaccination

Abstract

The advent of COVID-19 vaccines brought hope in combating the global pandemic. However, their acceptance and uptake have faced significant challenges due to vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding adverse reactions. Various factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, such as fear of side effects, lack of trust in vaccine development processes, misinformation, and socio-cultural beliefs, are discussed. Understanding the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy is crucial in formulating effective strategies to address public concerns. This article aims to explore the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and examine the reported adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination. By fostering trust, providing accurate information, and establishing robust surveillance systems, public health officials can combat hesitancy and enhance vaccination rates. Efforts must be made to educate individuals about the benefits of vaccination while maintaining transparency regarding potential risks, ultimately paving the way for widespread immunization and mitigating the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our study findings, it is evident that the population of Romania has exhibited a lack of positive response towards the vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the transmission of COVID-19. These results strongly indicate that Romania will face significant challenges in achieving the World Health Organization's recommended vaccination threshold of at least 70% coverage.