Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Success: Lessons Learnt from the Pandemic So Far. A Case Study from Poland

Abstract

The high effectiveness of a vaccination-promotion campaign, which may be measured by the number of those successfully convinced to get vaccinated, is a key factor in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This, however, appears to be linked to the precise identification of the underlying causes for vaccine hesitancy behaviours. Based on a regression model (adjusted R2 of 0.78) analysing 378 sub-regions of Poland, we showed that such behaviours, even when going against the party agenda, can be indirectly yet precisely gauged predominantly through voting patterns. Additionally, education and population density were found to be positively related to low vaccine hesitancy, while markers of social exclusion, both external (employment rate) and psychological (voter turnout) ones, affected it negatively. In the second, follow-up part of our study, which analyses the changes that took place in two months (adjusted R2 of 0.53), we found a further increase in vaccination rate to be positively related to the number of those already vaccinated and to the political views of the population, and negatively related to its level of education. In both cases, there was a surprisingly weak relationship between the potential markers of accessibility and vaccination rate. In spite of the known overall differences in vaccination rates for different age and sex groups, these variables did not have any additional informative value in explaining the observed regional differences.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Findings and Implications

“…Greater knowledge regarding the effectiveness and side-effects of the vaccine will help with studies showing vaccine hesitancy reduces over time as more knowledge becomes available. 30,54,85,86 This can be facilitated by increasing education among students since we are aware that credible vaccine promoters including physicians can enhance uptake rates. 87,88,89…”

“…29 Additional factors that influence decision-making regarding the acceptance of the vaccine include attitude, sociodemographic factors including the level of education, political views, and beliefs regarding COVID-19. [50][51][52][53][54] We believe to date there have been limited studies assessing vaccine hesitancy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) although there have been concerns with high rates of vaccine hesitancy among the population in Arab countries as well as among parents of young adults. 23,[55][56][57] However, this is not universal.…”

Underestimation in Reporting Excess COVID-19 Death Data in Poland during the First Three Pandemic Waves

“…COVID-19 cases in Poland were not only underreported, but they were also bringing the wrong message. There was serious general distrust in the establishment, leading to vaccine hesitancy, especially among socially disadvantaged groups [ 33 ]. At the same time, even according to official government COVID-19 death statistics, there was no clear difference in the number of COVID-19 deaths before and after the vaccine rollout.…”

Awareness of COVID-19 Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Vaccinations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…Similarly, more Polish medical students indicated a will to get vaccinated than non-medical students (91.99% vs. 59.42%) [ 26 ]. In Poland, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is quite high [ 27 ], with more than 30% still unwilling to get vaccinated [ 28 ].…”

“…Data on specific knowledge of patients with different diseases about COVID-19 and/or their willingness for vaccinations are not available in Poland. Admittedly, adequate knowledge of patients about vaccinations is essential to achieve an appropriate level of prevention [ 27 , 32 ].…”