Influenza vaccination landscape in Italy: A comprehensive study through the OBVIOUS project lens

• Main Authors: Angelo Capodici (Author), Marco Montalti (Author), Giorgia Soldà (Author), Aurelia Salussolia (Author), Giusy La Fauci (Author), Zeno Di Valerio (Author), Francesca Scognamiglio (Author), Maria Pia Fantini (Author), Anna Odone (Author), Claudio Costantino (Author), Heidi J. Larson (Author), Julie Leask (Author), Jacopo Lenzi (Author), Davide Gori (Author), the OBVIOUS Board (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group, 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Influenza annually claims an estimated 8,000 lives in Italy. Despite no-cost vaccinations for high-risk groups, hesitancy persists. This study aims to pinpoint social and behavioral vaccination determinants, forming strategies to bolster vaccine uptake. From April 11 to May 29, 2022, we surveyed a demographic-stratified sample of 10,000 Italian adults, employing the WHO's Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BesD) framework. Of those, 4,613 (46.1%) were eligible for the influenza vaccine and included in the analysis. Roughly a third remained unvaccinated and unwilling. Central Italy showed the highest resistance, with significant percentages of seniors and professionals like teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare workers expressing noncompliance. A lack of awareness of being in a target group correlated significantly with vaccine refusal or delayed acceptance. Other refusal factors included female gender, being aged 45-54, rural residency, absence of higher education, perceived vaccine unsafety, and having vaccine-opposed acquaintances. Thus, addressing these perceptions and enhancing awareness can potentially increase vaccination rates and lessen disease impact.

Item Description

2164-5515
2164-554X
10.1080/21645515.2023.2252250