Willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with rheumatic diseases, healthcare workers and general population in Turkey: a web-based survey

Abstract

Objectives Vaccination against COVID-19 emerges as an effective strategy for combating the pandemic. While many of our patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) wonder whether it is safe to get the vaccine, vaccine hesitancy is rising among the general population. We assessed the willingness to get vaccination and its probable predictors among patients with RD compared to healthcare workers and a sample from the general population. Methods We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey in a cross-sectional design in 3 groups of participants just before the mass vaccination program in Istanbul, Turkey. The questionnaire sought socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 related risk factors, willingness to get vaccination, and concerns and thoughts about vaccine. COVID-19 anxiety scale (CAS) was also evaluated. Results We studied in total 732 patients with RD (Group 1), 763 individuals representing general population (Group 2) and 320 hospital workers (Group 3). Dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19 was found in 4.9%, 3.8% and 4.1%, in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Of the patients with RD, 29.2% were willing to be vaccinated, 19.0% were unwilling and 51.8% were undecided. These were somewhat similar among the general population (yes: 34.6%, no: 23.3% and unsure: 42.1%), with significantly less undecided individuals (p < 0.001). On the other hand, hospital workers were significantly more willing (yes: 52.5%, no: 20.9% and unsure: 26.6%) ( p < 0.001). Main concerns were probable side effects, unknown scientific results and having no trust. Being male, older age, working in a hospital, not having contracted COVID-19 and high scores on CAS were found to be independently associated with willingness. Conclusions The low rate of vaccine acceptance among patients with RD, as well as general population sampling is worrying. Healthcare policies should aim to implement communication, promote confidence and increase demand for COVID-19 vaccine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00296-021-04841-3.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease: an interview-based survey

“…These observations were similar to the previous survey reports [8][9][10][11][12]. Additionally, few studies observed that males were more willing to get vaccinated than females [9,10,12]. However, in our study, we have not observed any such difference.…”

“…Similar observations were seen in another study from Rome with a low acceptance in AIRD-patients (54.9%) compared to controls (82.3%) [8]. While studies from Turkey and Amsterdam showed no difference between the patients and control groups for vaccination willingness [9,10]. In our study, the higher willingness of the control group may be attributed to higher education in the group than the patient group.…”

“…Felten et al and Yurttas et al had also reported the uncertainty for vaccination in their patient cohort, 32.2%, and 51.8%, respectively [10,12]. These studies also reported that willingness to get vaccinated could be increased if recommended by a specialist physician [9,10,12]. The other reasons for refusal were fear of adverse events, a flare-up of underlying AIRD, and doubt related to the vaccine efficacy, similar to those reported in previous studies [8,9,11].…”

“…In the present study, 38% (49/128) of the patients were not-yet-decided about the immunization and thus constitute the main reason for vaccine refusal. Felten et al and Yurttas et al had also reported the uncertainty for vaccination in their patient cohort, 32.2%, and 51.8%, respectively [10,12]. These studies also reported that willingness to get vaccinated could be increased if recommended by a specialist physician [9,10,12].…”

Rheumatology university faculty opinion on coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines: the vaXurvey study from Egypt

“…Main concerns were probable side effects, unknown scientific results and having no trust. Healthcare policies should aim to implement communication, promote confidence and increase demand for COVID-19 vaccine [40].…”