COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among lymphoma patients in Poland

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the health of the entire population. Neoplastic diseases of the immune system are associated with increased COVID-related mortality. Vaccination is the only effective way to reduce morbidity and mortality, yet vaccine hesitancy has been observed. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes towards vaccination among lymphoma patients and to identify vaccine hesitancy predictors. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 280 patients with lymphoma who took part anonymously in a web-based survey prepared by the Pokonaj Chłoniaka Foundation. The survey assessed: attitude to and perception of COVID-19 vaccines, the perceived likelihood of COVID-19 infection, personal experiences with COVID-19, and demographic data. Results: In our sample, almost one patient in three was vaccine-hesitant. The percentage was higher among patients living in the countryside, villages and smaller towns and in those not educated beyond high school level. The acceptance of vaccination increased with patient age. The high number of skeptical patients could be potentially dangerous, with regard to the high COVID-related complications and mortality. Conclusions: Clear and easily understood information on COVID vaccines can reduce the risk of COVID-related issues. This subject should be addressed in educational campaigns focused particularly on the identified groups of vaccination skeptics.