Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions
The mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has been suggested as a strategy to increase vaccination uptake; however, there are doubts about its legitimacy as a measure. This study aimed to explore in depth the opinions of the Cypriot population regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. Qualitative a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Hygiene |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/3/3/21 |
| _version_ | 1797579849630482432 |
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| author | Konstantinos Giannakou Eftychia Soulioti Maria Kyprianidou |
| author_facet | Konstantinos Giannakou Eftychia Soulioti Maria Kyprianidou |
| author_sort | Konstantinos Giannakou |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has been suggested as a strategy to increase vaccination uptake; however, there are doubts about its legitimacy as a measure. This study aimed to explore in depth the opinions of the Cypriot population regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. Qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question was included as part of an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of the general population of Cyprus. A thematic analysis was performed by reading the responses and developing a coding frame. Descriptive analysis was performed on the sociodemographic and COVID-19-vaccine-related information. A total of 311 participants responded to the open-ended question, and the thematic analysis yielded two main themes: “Vaccination Perceptions and Challenges” and “Mandatory Vaccination Policies and Societal Impact.” Within these themes, participants expressed diverse opinions on universal and targeted mandatory vaccination, highlighting concerns about insufficient research, gaps in communication, and potential side effects. Views also varied on topics such as protective measures, interdisciplinary collaboration, vaccine side effects, human rights, and societal divisions. Criticisms encompassed political motives, skepticism towards the pandemic, and considerations of individual freedoms. In summary, the findings highlighted the intricate and varied perspectives surrounding the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, which can be valuable for policymakers and public health officials in designing targeted vaccination strategies. To optimize vaccination programs, policymakers and public health officials should prioritize trust, communication, and individual autonomy. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:41:43Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ed664777d765461286af23b63cabab0b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2673-947X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:41:43Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Hygiene |
| spelling | doaj.art-ed664777d765461286af23b63cabab0b2023-11-19T11:00:18ZengMDPI AGHygiene2673-947X2023-08-013329130510.3390/hygiene3030021Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended QuestionsKonstantinos Giannakou0Eftychia Soulioti1Maria Kyprianidou2Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, CyprusDepartment of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, CyprusDepartment of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, CyprusThe mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has been suggested as a strategy to increase vaccination uptake; however, there are doubts about its legitimacy as a measure. This study aimed to explore in depth the opinions of the Cypriot population regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. Qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question was included as part of an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of the general population of Cyprus. A thematic analysis was performed by reading the responses and developing a coding frame. Descriptive analysis was performed on the sociodemographic and COVID-19-vaccine-related information. A total of 311 participants responded to the open-ended question, and the thematic analysis yielded two main themes: “Vaccination Perceptions and Challenges” and “Mandatory Vaccination Policies and Societal Impact.” Within these themes, participants expressed diverse opinions on universal and targeted mandatory vaccination, highlighting concerns about insufficient research, gaps in communication, and potential side effects. Views also varied on topics such as protective measures, interdisciplinary collaboration, vaccine side effects, human rights, and societal divisions. Criticisms encompassed political motives, skepticism towards the pandemic, and considerations of individual freedoms. In summary, the findings highlighted the intricate and varied perspectives surrounding the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, which can be valuable for policymakers and public health officials in designing targeted vaccination strategies. To optimize vaccination programs, policymakers and public health officials should prioritize trust, communication, and individual autonomy.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/3/3/21COVID-19SARS-CoV-2vaccinationmandatoryobligatoryCyprus |
| spellingShingle | Konstantinos Giannakou Eftychia Soulioti Maria Kyprianidou Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions Hygiene COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination mandatory obligatory Cyprus |
| title | Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions |
| title_full | Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions |
| title_fullStr | Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions |
| title_short | Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions |
| title_sort | mandatory vaccination against covid 19 qualitative analysis of responses to open ended questions |
| topic | COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination mandatory obligatory Cyprus |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/3/3/21 |
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