Ryazantsev S.V., Khramova M.N., Smirnov A.V. The social demographic aspects of vaccination of population of Russia in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Problems of Social Hygiene, Public Health and History of Medicine. 2021. Vol. 29. N. 5. P. 1047-1056. doi: 10.32687 ...

Abstract

The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 can end only when the population immunity is formed, which is achieved in two ways: by vaccination or by transferring the disease naturally. WHO recommends the first way to achieve population immunity, since the immune response to the vaccine is similar to that formed during the transfer of a natural infection, but with minimal risks to health and life. The article presents the results of a sociological survey aimed at studying the attitude of Russians to vaccination against COVID-19 coronavirus infection. Its results showed that currently about 22% of Russians are ready to be vaccinated (they answered the corresponding question positively). We have identified the main factors that determine the attitude of the population to vaccination. Firstly, a statistically significant dependence of vaccination readiness on the level of education was obtained: respondents with a higher level of education are more likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Secondly, in general, the population positively assesses the response of the Russian healthcare system to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the proportion of the population who are positive about vaccination could be higher if there was a possibility of using foreign-made drugs in Russia. Thirdly, there is still a significant proportion of the population in Russia who believes that vaccination with drugs that have not passed long-term clinical trials can lead to negative health consequences. Fourthly, the majority of respondents faced various manifestations of the pandemic to varying degrees: either they themselves were ill, or their relatives and friends were ill or died, almost everyone somehow limited their usual mobility. We also note that our survey did not show statistically significant differences between the distribution of responses among men and women. We believe that a broader information campaign is needed on the part of the state in order to form a positive attitude among the population to vaccination and specifically to Russian-made vaccines. A significant increase in the proportion of the population who have been vaccinated will also be achieved if clearly defined requirements for the presence of COVID-19 vaccination are adopted at the international level. Currently, this is actually a key condition for restoring international mobility and removing restrictions in national economies.

Content (in russ)