Social Attitude to COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccinations after the Influenza Vaccination Season and between the Second and Third COVID-19 Wave in Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the entire world and contributed to severe health and economic consequences. A safe and effective vaccine is a tool allowing the pandemic to be controlled. Hence, we aimed to conduct a survey on vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 in Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine. We also evaluated societal attitudes towards influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Materials and methods: We conducted the study between December 2020 and May 2021. At the time, the countries subject to the research were between the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used an anonymous and self-designed questionnaire comprised of eleven closed-ended questions and a short socio-demographic section. The questionnaire was administered by direct contact or mainly (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) by e-mail or Facebook. Finally, we included 2753 answers from Poland, 1852 from Ukraine, and 213 from Lithuania. Results: Between 61% (Poland) and 72.9% (Ukraine) of the study participants have never been vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.05). Totals of 67.6% of the respondents in Poland, 73.71% in Lithuania, and 29.5% in Ukraine responded that they want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Vaccine hesitancy was mainly related to worries about its side effects. There were also vaccine non-adopters in the study. In Ukraine, 67% of the respondents were clearly opposed to mandatory COVID-19 vaccines, compared to 41.7% in Poland and 30.99% in Lithuania (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There are still many people who present vaccine hesitancy or are opposed to vaccines. Thus, societal education about vaccination and the pandemic is crucial. Vaccine hesitancy or refusal might be related to vaccine origin. Shortages of influenza vaccines made it impossible to vaccinate those who were determined to be vaccinated. There is room for discussion of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.

Evaluation of the Approach towards Vaccination against COVID-19 among the Polish Population—In Relation to Sociodemographic Factors and Physical and Mental Health

“…Most respondents (72.2%) did not take an influenza vaccination. The low influenza vaccination coverage in Poland (61%) was also observed by Zaprutko T et al [ 28 ]. The main concerns are the efficacy, disbeliefs, and misconceptions about the safety and vaccine hesitancy over the years [ 28 ].…”

Mandatory and seasonal vaccination against COVID-19: Attitudes of the vaccinated people in Serbia

“…A large body of evidence explored public opinions about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination [13][14][15][16][17][18][19], albeit in a general population including non-vaccinated ones as well. Contrary, there are limited studies conducted on vaccinated population in the literature.…”

Is It Important to Increase Physical Activity Among University Students During the Second-Wave COVID-19 Pandemic in Asian Countries? A Cross-Sectional Study of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Asian Countries

“… 26 The government re-implemented health protocols, reduced activities outside the home, closed health and fitness centers, increased vaccination rates, and used personal protective equipment after a decline. 13 …”

“…[10][11][12] At the end of the year, there was also a wider spread of cases due to the operation of workplaces and working together in closed spaces. 13 This second wave led to the enactment of lockdowns and restrictions on activities in several countries, including Indonesia and India.…”