The rapid development of the vaccine and the infodemia have challenged communication about COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to characterize—through the experience of vaccinators—the challenges faced during COVID-19 vaccination consultations and the communication strategies adopted. A qualitative study was conducted on COVID-19 vaccinators in Tuscany, Italy. Faceto-face interviews were conducted and examined by thematic analysis. In total, 30 vaccinators were interviewed. Four main themes emerged. The first highlighted distinct profiles of users’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Barriers and promoters of vaccine uptake emerged in the second theme: concerns over the vaccine, excessive exposure to information, and a lack of clear guidance from institutions were the main factors behind hesitancy. The third theme highlightedusers’ information-seeking behaviors; vaccinators observed that users ideologically opposed to the vaccine (IOV) unconsciously seek information that confirms their theories. The last theme comprised communication strategies for dealing with hesitancy. Empathy, first-hand examples, transparency, and tailored communication style appear to be effective in building vaccine trust. Lastly, the impossibility of developing a decision-making partnership with IOVs was noticed. These findings may help to better characterize public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and highlight key communication principles and strategies to foster vaccine confidence.

Communicating with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination: A Qualitative Study on Vaccinators in Tuscany Region, Italy / Alderotti, Giorgia; Corvo, Martina Felicia; Buscemi, Primo; Stacchini, Lorenzo; Giorgetti, Duccio; Lorini, Chiara; Bonaccorsi, Guglielmo; Pinilla, Maria José Caldés; Lastrucci, Vieri. - In: VACCINES. - ISSN 2076-393X. - ELETTRONICO. - 11:(2023), pp. 1-18. [10.3390/vaccines11020223]

Communicating with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination: A Qualitative Study on Vaccinators in Tuscany Region, Italy

Buscemi, Primo;Stacchini, Lorenzo;Giorgetti, Duccio;Lorini, Chiara;Bonaccorsi, Guglielmo;Lastrucci, Vieri
2023

Abstract

The rapid development of the vaccine and the infodemia have challenged communication about COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to characterize—through the experience of vaccinators—the challenges faced during COVID-19 vaccination consultations and the communication strategies adopted. A qualitative study was conducted on COVID-19 vaccinators in Tuscany, Italy. Faceto-face interviews were conducted and examined by thematic analysis. In total, 30 vaccinators were interviewed. Four main themes emerged. The first highlighted distinct profiles of users’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Barriers and promoters of vaccine uptake emerged in the second theme: concerns over the vaccine, excessive exposure to information, and a lack of clear guidance from institutions were the main factors behind hesitancy. The third theme highlightedusers’ information-seeking behaviors; vaccinators observed that users ideologically opposed to the vaccine (IOV) unconsciously seek information that confirms their theories. The last theme comprised communication strategies for dealing with hesitancy. Empathy, first-hand examples, transparency, and tailored communication style appear to be effective in building vaccine trust. Lastly, the impossibility of developing a decision-making partnership with IOVs was noticed. These findings may help to better characterize public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and highlight key communication principles and strategies to foster vaccine confidence.
2023
11
1
18
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Alderotti, Giorgia; Corvo, Martina Felicia; Buscemi, Primo; Stacchini, Lorenzo; Giorgetti, Duccio; Lorini, Chiara; Bonaccorsi, Guglielmo; Pinilla, Maria José Caldés; Lastrucci, Vieri
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1296199
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