Quality and Safety of Vaccines Manufacturing: An Online Survey on Attitudes and Perceptions of Italian Internet Users

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is a worldwide public health practice that requires high uptake levels in order to effectively reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The manufacturing of vaccines is a complex process, and little is known about people’s feelings and opinions on that. Our study aimed at investigating perceptions and attitudes of the general population towards the vaccine production process before the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: We designed a 15-question online survey in the Italian language which was spread via Facebook and an Italian website "Vaccinarsintoscana" between January and May 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis and applied statistical tests to assess differences in the given answers according to participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The collected responses (135 participants) about the perceptions on vaccine production process were largely positive: not being concerned about the vaccine production (70.3%); believing the vials did not contain harmful substances (75.6%) and considering the precautionary withdrawal of some batches as highly effective (83.7%). In contrast, a less positive perception was found for the question about the conflict of interest between manufacturing companies and the control systems (48.9%). Moreover, people’s perceptions towards the vaccine components (i.e., microorganism, adjuvants and opinion on batches withdrawal) also showed a good level of confidence and trust. Conclusions: Our study highlighted a generally positive attitude towards the vaccine production process and showed people’s confidence in the control systems, safety and high standards of quality of the vaccine production process.

Patient autonomy regarding the COVID-19 vaccine

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, when vaccines began to be offered to the population, these perceptions were more abundant in the digital mass, since there was production and dissemination of information without evidence and misleading. This clearly influenced decision-making and implied other uncertainties, such as disbelief in the quality and safety of vaccine manufacture 37,38,45 .…”

Autonomia do paciente ante a vacinação contra covid-19

“…Durante a pandemia de covid-19, quando as vacinas começaram a ser ofertadas para a população, essas percepções foram mais abundantes na massa digital, visto que houve produção e divulgação de informações sem evidências e enganosas. Isso claramente influenciou a tomada de decisão e implicou outras incertezas, como descrença na qualidade e segurança da fabricação da vacina 37,38,45 .…”

Addressing conflicts of interest regarding the vaccine in infectious disease outbreaks based on good governance for health approach: a policy brief

“…Within the medical field, discussions on vaccination have consistently been contentious, with various groups accusing one another of conflicts of interest (COI) [ 5 , 6 ]. It is worth acknowledging that the necessity of achieving herd immunity, coupled with the substantial financial contracts involved in vaccine production, can create an environment susceptible to the influence of COI on vaccine development, guidelines, and policy-making [ 7 ]. Building Public trust serves as a fundamental pillar for successful vaccination campaigns.…”

“…indicates a decline in public trust towards scientific research and the guidelines provided by health organisations, which raises serious concerns [ 14 , 15 ]. A significant factor contributing to this decreased public trust is the presence of COI within the vaccines field, leading to corruption in vaccine production and development and related policies [ 7 , 16 – 23 ]. As a result, one of the primary arguments by anti-vaccine groups revolves around the perceived COI of experts, researchers, and policymakers due to their financial connections with the industry [ 7 ].…”

“…A significant factor contributing to this decreased public trust is the presence of COI within the vaccines field, leading to corruption in vaccine production and development and related policies [ 7 , 16 – 23 ]. As a result, one of the primary arguments by anti-vaccine groups revolves around the perceived COI of experts, researchers, and policymakers due to their financial connections with the industry [ 7 ]. Other factors contribute to the concern surrounding the potential detrimental effects of industry relationships on public health decisions.…”