Opinions, Attitudes and Factors Related to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Eight South American Countries
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
This article presents attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination in the South American population. The study collected data from a self-administered survey distributed through social media platforms between February and April 2022 (N = 6555). The survey included questions related to participants’ sociodemographic background, flu vaccination practices, sources of information about COVID-19, and opinions regarding pandemic management and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The respondents agreed with the statement that COVID-19 vaccines were necessary (86.4%), effective (79.8%), safe (79.1%), and should be mandatory (64%). Overall, 83.4% accepted vaccination and 12.3% refused it completely. Main rejection reasons were safety (65.8%) and efficacy (54.9%) issues, and rushed development and approvals (49.1%). Vaccine uptake was associated with being ≥60 years, being a healthcare worker, previous influenza vaccine uptake, adherence to preventive measures, the death of ≥1 close people from COVID-19, and being informed through mass media or health authorities’ channels.
Description
Keywords
vaccine, COVID-19, coronavirus, vaccine hesitancy
Citation
Urueña, A.; Machado, R.; Cunha, J.; López Colmano, C.; Rancaño, C.; Kfouri, R.; Pírez, C.; Bonvehí, P.; Calvo, M.; Cuadros, R.; et al. Opinions, Attitudes and Factors Related to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Eight South American Countries. Vaccines 2023, 11, 1660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ vaccines11111660