The issue of vaccine refusal: study of risky behaviour

The aim of this study is to identify the influence of factors that determine the refusal of influenza vaccine among three subjects groups.

A survey was conducted amongst three high‑risk groups in years 2018-2019 (Moscow, Russia). The survey involved 1,620 parents and pregnant women (group 1), 324 doctors (group 2) and 433 students (group 3). The analysis revealed a poor vaccine uptake among respondents of all three groups.

According to the survey results, only 22.2 % of children and 13.8 % of adults were vaccinated against influenza. The group 2 showed higher rates for vaccinated adults and children, namely 36.7 % and 58.7 % , respectively. The lowest adherence to annual vaccinations was recorded in group 3 (only 17.3 %). There is also a negative correlation between adherence to vaccination and smoking -0.66), unhealthy diet -0.73), poor oral hygiene -0.61) as well as insufficient awareness of the need of influenza vaccine -0.81).

The general lack of vaccination awareness has a fundamental role in forming a negative attitude toward influenza vaccine. It is necessary to conduct research to promote vaccination against influenza to improve vaccine uptake among high‑risk groups, particularly in students (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 32).