Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and containment measures in Italy and the role of occupational physicians

Main Article Content

Carlo La Vecchia
Gianfranco Alicandro
Eva Negri
Vilma Scarpino
Maurizio Coggiola
Giovanna Spatari

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, vaccine, web survey

Abstract

Background. Vaccine hesitancy is the main barrier to the effective management of COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate attitudes towards vaccination and containment measures in Italy, and the role of occupational physicians in the management of COVID-19.


Methods. Between 26 and 31 January 2022, we conducted a national online survey including 1000 respondents (631 workers) representative of the Italian population. A series of questions were asked to get information on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, containment measures and management of COVID-19. Sampling weights were used to obtain national estimates.


Results. The majority of respondents (92.6%) received at least two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (or one dose of Janssen, Ad26.COV2.S), only 4.9% did not get any dose. Most interviewees (79.2%) stated that the decision to be vaccinated was their own choice, while only 4.3% were convinced by the general practitioner or the occupational physician. History of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported by 23.9% of the participants (30.2% among workers); and 40% of the infected workers were contacted/visited by an occupational physician.


Conclusions. Vaccine uptake was remarkably high in Italy. Occupational physicians played a relevant role in the management of COVID-19 in occupational settings

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