Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen
Published on: May 12, 2023
Barriers to vaccine acceptance and immunization coverage in Kazakhstan: a mixed-methods study using the COM-B
Lena Kassabekova1, Manar Smagul2, Gaukhar Nukenova2
1Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise, Astana, Kazakhstan.
Background:
Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, affecting immunization coverage and increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine acceptance is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study examines immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and barriers to vaccine uptake in Kazakhstan, focusing on routine childhood immunization, COVID-19 vaccination, and HPV vaccination.
Methods:
A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative immunization coverage data with qualitative insights from focus group discussions (FGDs). Immunization trends were presented using national data from 2020 to 2022. The study included FGDs with healthcare workers, unvaccinated older adults, mothers/caregivers of unvaccinated young children and of adolescent girls, focusing on COVID-19, routine immunization, and HPV vaccination. Thematic analysis was used for defining main themes in discussions.
Results:
Although routine immunization coverage improved in 2022 compared to 2020, general vaccine refusals increased by 2.62 times. The primary reasons for vaccine refusal included personal beliefs (68%), concerns about vaccine safety (54%), and distrust in healthcare institutions (39%). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was particularly high among older adult individuals, influenced by skepticism regarding vaccine safety, multiple vaccine options, and conspiracy theories. Healthcare professionals exhibited mixed confidence in COVID-19 vaccines expressing concerns about long-term safety. HPV vaccination hesitancy was linked to limited awareness and misconceptions about cervical cancer.
Conclusion:
Despite improvements in immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy remains a critical barrier in Kazakhstan. Addressing misinformation, enhancing healthcare communication, and implementing targeted educational campaigns are essential for improving vaccine acceptance and public trust in immunization programs.
More Related Videos
06:26Author Spotlight: Optimizing CFU Determination for Efficient Assessment of TB Vaccine Efficacy and Antigen Presentation Analysis
Published on: July 28, 2023
13:47Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens
Published on: May 19, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:30Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
01:51Vaccinations
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:21Health Literacy
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...