Article
Immunology
Stacey Orangi, Jessie Pinchoff, Daniel Mwanga, Timothy Abuya, Mainga Hamaluba, George Warimwe, Karen Austrian, Edwine Barasa
Summary: Kenya has a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at 36.5%, with factors such as rural regions, perceived difficulty in adhering to government regulations, no perceived infection risk, concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, and religious/cultural reasons being associated with hesitancy. Interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence should prioritize holistic messaging targeting specific groups to communicate the risks and benefits of vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Ruoyan Sun, Henna Budhwani
Summary: The study found that states in the southern U.S. had a significantly higher proportion of negative tweets towards COVID-19 vaccines compared to other regions, while higher-income states reported lower proportions of negative tweets. These results indicate the presence of geographic variability in vaccine sentiments, highlighting the need for tailored vaccine promotion strategies.
Article
Immunology
Bent Steenberg, Nellie Myburgh, Andile Sokani, Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, Portia Mutevedzi, Shabir A. Madhi
Summary: COVID-19 immunization programs have been rolled out globally on an unprecedented scale. This article highlights the challenges faced in achieving vaccine acceptance in Soweto, South Africa. Despite normative hypothetical acceptance, vaccine uptake remains concerningly low in South Africa, particularly in Soweto. Factors such as distrust towards authorities and misinformation have contributed to hesitancy and denialism among the public. Stated intent to immunize does not necessarily translate to actual behavior. Unveiling and addressing barriers to vaccine confidence and selectivity is crucial, especially in lower-income groups with specific cultural, spiritual, historical, and socioeconomic contexts. Effective media communication and debunking of false claims are essential in promoting immunization.
Article
Immunology
Gavin George, Phiwe Babalo Nota, Michael Strauss, Emma Lansdell, Remco Peters, Petra Brysiewicz, Nisha Nadesan-Reddy, Douglas Wassenaar
Summary: Healthcare workers in South Africa were offered COVID-19 vaccines first due to their higher risk of infection and importance to the health system. A survey and interviews revealed that 89% of HCWs were vaccinated, with concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness among younger HCWs, males, and those in the private sector. These concerns were driven by witnessing side effects, perceived lack of scientific rigor in vaccine development, confidence in the immune system, and a lack of information and trust in available sources.
Article
Immunology
Jiangbo Fan, Xi Wang, Shuai Du, Ayan Mao, Haiping Du, Wuqi Qiu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global public health security, and vaccination through public health interventions has been recognized as crucial. However, mistrust plays a major role in vaccine hesitancy, thus impeding the widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. This paper aims to discuss the key issues and the role of trust in promoting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and implementing effective policies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Blessing Ogbuokiri, Ali Ahmadi, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Zahra Movahedi Nia, Bruce Mellado, Jianhong Wu, James Orbinski, Ali Asgary, Jude Kong
Summary: Using clustered geo-tagged Twitter posts, this study examines the sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccine-related topics in the three largest South African cities. The findings show a correlation between vaccination rates, case numbers, and sentiment scores, suggesting that Twitter data can provide valuable insights for health policy and decision-making.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Charles S. Wiysonge, Samuel M. Alobwede, Patrick de Marie C. Katoto, Elvis B. Kidzeru, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Sara Cooper, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Muki S. Shey
Summary: This study assessed the willingness of healthcare workers in Cape Town to accept COVID-19 vaccination and found a high level of vaccine hesitancy. Trust-building interventions and tailored education may be needed to reduce this hesitancy.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Saed A. Sulub, Mubarak A. Mohamed
Summary: The COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance in Somaliland are low, influenced mainly by factors such as age, education level, and employment status. The study suggests that the perceived threat of the virus and the perceived safety of the vaccine are critical factors in boosting vaccine uptake and acceptance.
Article
Immunology
Azure Tariro Makadzange, Patricia Gundidza, Charles Lau, Janan Dietrich, Norest Beta, Nellie Myburgh, Nyasha Elose, Chiratidzo Ndhlovu, Wilmot James, Lawrence Stanberry
Summary: Despite sufficient vaccine supply, less than 25% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has received a COVID-19 vaccine. This study surveyed individuals who were late-adopters of vaccination in Zimbabwe to understand their attitudes towards vaccine mandates and vaccines for children. The findings suggest that vaccine mandates can help mitigate vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine coverage in Africa.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naveen Siddique Sheikh, Mumtaz Touseef, Riddah Sultan, Kanwal Hassan Cheema, Sidra Shafiq Cheema, Afia Sarwar, Haniya Zainab Siddique
Summary: This study aimed to explore the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the Pakistani population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 participants. The results showed that non-healthcare workers were more likely to hesitate in getting vaccinated, and low practice of standard operating procedure was the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy. For healthcare workers, moderate confidence and convenience were the main factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. Increasing confidence, convenience, and educating the general population about the vaccine could help reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Immunology
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira, Brian Nachipo, Bright Phiri, Godfrey Musuka
Summary: As South Africa becomes one of the first African countries to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, other countries in Africa are also setting up national coordination committees for vaccination deployment plans, emphasizing the importance of public health awareness and combating misinformation. Recommendations for communication strategies in South African and Zimbabwean contexts have been proposed to address the threat of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Immunology
A. de Figueiredo, C. Simas, H. J. Larson
Summary: This study examines COVID-19 vaccine acceptance intentions in 17 countries and explores the socio-demographic and emotional factors that influence vaccination decisions. The study found that vaccine acceptance was highest in India and lowest in the Democratic Republic of Congo and France. Confidence in the safety, importance, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines was the most influential factor in vaccination intent.
Article
Immunology
Yan Li, Mengqi Li, Lin Yang, Daniel Bressington, Sau-Fong Leung, Yao-Jie Xie, Jing Qin, Alex Molasiotis, Angela Leung
Summary: The emergence of new coronavirus variants and waning immunity from COVID-19 vaccines highlight the importance of regular vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy is a major global health threat, yet little is known about the hesitancy towards regular COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of hesitancy for regular COVID-19 vaccination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanja A. Stamm, Julia Partheymueller, Erika Mosor, Valentin Ritschl, Sylvia Kritzinger, Alessia Alunno, Jakob-Moritz Eberl
Summary: Findings from two conjoint experiments conducted in Austria and Italy revealed that tailored vaccination campaigns based on previous vaccination status are more effective. For the unvaccinated, campaign messages conveying community spirit had a positive effect, while offering positive incentives was pivotal to the decision-making of those vaccinated once or twice. Among the triple vaccinated, vaccination readiness increased when adapted vaccines were offered, but costs and medical dissensus reduced their likelihood to get vaccinated. Failing to mobilize the triple vaccinated is likely to result in booster vaccination rates falling short of expectations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Diego A. Echanove-Cuevas, Nancy R. Mejia-Dominguez, America Nitxin Castaneda-Sortibran
Summary: Vaccine hesitancy in Mexico has not been thoroughly studied compared to other countries, despite its importance and potential impact. This study used the World Health Organization's Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix to assess vaccine hesitancy levels in Mexico and found associations between certain determinants and levels of vaccine hesitancy. The findings highlight opportunities for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Mexico.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Charles S. Wiysonge, Samuel M. Alobwede, Patrick de Marie C. Katoto, Elvis B. Kidzeru, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Sara Cooper, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Muki S. Shey
Summary: This study assessed the willingness of healthcare workers in Cape Town to accept COVID-19 vaccination and found a high level of vaccine hesitancy. Trust-building interventions and tailored education may be needed to reduce this hesitancy.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chukwudi A. Nnaji, Charles S. Wiysonge, Abdu A. Adamu, Maia Lesosky, Hassan Mahomed, Duduzile Ndwandwe
Summary: Major gaps in immunisation coverage remain among children in Cape Town, South Africa, with missed opportunities for vaccination influenced by factors such as caregivers' level of education, receipt of immunisation messages, shared decision making by both parents, and health facility staff number. Improving the quality of immunisation services and implementing broader strategies should address these individual and contextual factors.
Article
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Saahier Parker, Nancy Coulson, Nirvana Pillay, Sara Cooper, Anelisa Jaca, Edison Mavundza, Gregory Houston, Candice Groenewald, Zaynab Essack, Jane Simmonds, Londiwe Deborah Shandu, Marilyn Couch, Nonkululeko Khuzwayo, Nobukhosi Ncube, Phelele Bhengu, Heidi van Rooyen, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: South Africa launched a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign and conducted a population-based survey to determine predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The survey identified concerns about side effects, lack of access to online registration platform, distrust of government, belief in conspiracy theories, no monthly income, and dependence on others for vaccination decision as independent predictors of vaccine hesitancy. These factors should be addressed through tailored communication and effective strategies to improve vaccine literacy, reach low-income households, and foster confidence in the government.
Article
Immunology
Samuel M. Alobwede, Elvis B. Kidzeru, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Sara Cooper, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Charles S. Wiysonge, Muki S. Shey
Summary: This study investigated influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in South Africa. It found that mistrust in the safety of influenza vaccines was a key factor contributing to hesitancy. Age and occupation, specifically being a physician, were associated with higher acceptance rates. Tailored education programs targeting younger healthcare workers could be effective in improving vaccine uptake.
Review
Immunology
Elizabeth O. Oduwole, Elizabeth D. Pienaar, Hassan Mahomed, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of vaccine tools and measures from 2010 to 2019, highlighting the need for contextually relevant tools in the African region. Additionally, the critical role of vaccination in controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is emphasized.
Article
Immunology
Tene-Alima Essoh, Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju, Abdu A. Adamu, Alain Komi Ahawo, Desquith Aka, Haoua Tall, Aristide Aplogan, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: This study highlights the impact of the pandemic on childhood immunization services in Nigeria, including difficulties in accessibility, declining immunization demand and uptake, and erosion of vaccine confidence. The findings provide important insights for interventions to address these issues.
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Jacques L. L. Tamuzi, Amanda S. S. Brand, Adaeze Ayuk, Liliane N. N. Byamungu, Charles S. S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adolescents and young adults through a meta-analysis of post-marketing studies. The results showed that the BNT162b2 vaccine is safe and effective in immunocompromised individuals, although the evidence quality is low to moderate due to bias risk.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marilyn A. Couch, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Samuel Fikiri Cinini, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination safety have led to hesitancy and decreased uptake worldwide. Vaccine hesitancy varies across continents, countries, ethnic groups, and age groups, resulting in global inequities. Africa has the lowest COVID-19 coverage globally, with only 22% of its population fully vaccinated. Misinformation on social media, especially regarding depopulating Africa, may have contributed to vaccine acceptance challenges in the region. This study explores determinants of low vaccination coverage that have received limited attention in primary research and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure trust and convince individuals of the benefits of vaccination.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Liliane N. Byamungu, Amanda S. Brand, Jacques L. Tamuzi, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Charles S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: Myocarditis and pericarditis occur at a low rate in adolescents after receiving the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, with a higher risk after the second dose in males. National programs are advised to use a causality framework to reduce overreporting and extend the inter-dose interval policy to decrease the occurrence of myocarditis/pericarditis.
Review
Immunology
Edison J. Mavundza, Sara Cooper, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Cooper and colleagues conducted a Cochrane review to explore the factors influencing caregivers' views and practices on routine childhood vaccines worldwide. In this review, they included 27 studies conducted in Africa and found that parents' views and practices in Africa were influenced by various factors, categorized into five themes. This finding suggests that addressing the lack of knowledge and information can help promote vaccine acceptance and uptake in Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdu A. Adamu, Tene-Alima Essoh, Rabiu Jalo, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: There is a pressing need for African countries to allocate more domestic financial resources to immunization in order to achieve self-reliance in national immunization programs. Political economy analysis (PEA) can assist in guiding policy influencers to advocate for sustainable immunization financing. Applying a systems thinking lens can enhance the usefulness of PEA by considering the complexity of resource allocation and implementation within social systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sara Cooper, Charles S. S. Wiysonge
Summary: Vaccine hesitancy has been the focus of attention in public health worldwide. Over the past decade, various qualitative studies have been conducted to better understand this complex phenomenon. These studies have provided insights into the relationship between vaccine knowledge and hesitancy, the socio-political forces driving vaccine hesitancy, and the multiple dimensions of vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Immunology
Chidozie Declan Iwu, Chinwe Iwu-Jaja, Anelisa Jaca, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: This study used bibliometric analysis to explore the research on vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in children in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade. The results showed an overall increase in scientific production, followed by a decline in the past two years. South Africa had the highest number of VPD studies, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were commonly studied pathogens.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Dipolelo Mokaila, Olukayode Aremu, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Jonathan Blackburn, Peter Zilla, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Ntobeko Ntusi
Summary: Socioeconomic factors in low- and middle-income countries may contribute to the recurrence of rheumatic fever and modify trends in rheumatic heart disease. Limited studies suggest a potential association between HIV infection and the occurrence and impact of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.