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Vaccine Hesitancy and Immunization Patterns in Central and Eastern Europe: Sociocultural, Economic, Political, and Digital Influences Across Seven Countries

Donata Kurpas · Dorota Stefanicka-Wojtas · Aneta Soll-Morka · Katarzyna Lomper · Bartosz Uchmanowicz · Beata Blahová +9 more

34 citations0/0 files storedRisk Management and Healthcare Policy

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Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy Misinformation and Its Impacts Intramuscular injections and effects

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vaccination programs are essential for preventing infectious diseases, yet the effectiveness of these programs varies significantly across Central and Eastern European countries due to diverse socio-economic, cultural, and political influences. This study examines vaccination trends in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania, focusing on misinformation, regional healthcare disparities, and socio-cultural factors on vaccination rates. Methods: A comprehensive review of national policies, vaccination rates, and factors influencing vaccine hesitancy was conducted across seven Central and Eastern European countries. Input from local health stakeholders and national data sources was analysed to contextualize vaccination patterns and challenges. Results: Significant cross-country variation was observed. Hungary and the Czech Republic reported consistently high coverage of mandatory childhood vaccinations, while Romania and Ukraine experienced severe declines in uptake, leading to outbreaks of measles and polio. Slovakia demonstrated low COVID-19 vaccination willingness, and Poland recorded a sharp increase in formal vaccine refusals. Conversely, Lithuania implemented successful campaigns that improved uptake, particularly for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Differences were influenced by healthcare system structure, public trust, exposure to misinformation, and digital communication strategies. Conclusion: Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires targeted, context-sensitive communication and digital literacy programs. Additionally, policy reforms to enhance accessibility, particularly in rural areas, and real-time monitoring systems can strengthen vaccination rates. Cross-border collaboration and tailored public health campaigns addressing cultural and socio-economic challenges are necessary to improve immunization coverage in these regions.

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2013Vaccine hesitancy 2022The psychological drivers of misinformation belief and its resistance to correction 2024Immunization agenda 2030: A global strategy to leave no one behind 2022Misinformation of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy 2022Effective Approaches to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy 2023Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2022 2020Improving the quality and use of immunization and surveillance data: Summary report of the Working Group of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization 2022Access to Vaccination among Disadvantaged, Isolated and Difficult-to-Reach Communities in the WHO European Region: A Systematic Review

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