The issue of vaccine refusal: study of risky behaviour

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify the influence of factors that determine the refusal of influenza vaccine among three subjects groups. METHODS: A survey was conducted amongst three high-risk groups in years 2018-2019 (Moscow, Russia). The survey involved 1,620 parents and pregnant women (group 1), 324 doctors (group 2) and 433 students (group 3). The analysis revealed a poor vaccine uptake among respondents of all three groups. RESULTS: According to the survey results, only 22.2 % of children and 13.8 % of adults were vaccinated against influenza. The group 2 showed higher rates for vaccinated adults and children, namely 36.7 % and 58.7 %, respectively. The lowest adherence to annual vaccinations was recorded in group 3 (only 17.3 %). There is also a negative correlation between adherence to vaccination and smoking -0.66), unhealthy diet -0.73), poor oral hygiene -0.61) as well as insufficient awareness of the need of influenza vaccine -0.81). CONCLUSION: The general lack of vaccination awareness has a fundamental role in forming a negative attitude toward influenza vaccine. It is necessary to conduct research to promote vaccination against influenza to improve vaccine uptake among high-risk groups, particularly in students (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 32). Text in PDF www.elis.sk