Determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance or hesitancy in Italy: an overview of the current evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is a major public health issue and a challenge for the implementation of COVID-19 immunization campaigns. The objective of this study was to address the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance or hesitancy in the Italian population.

Materials and methods: We conducted a rapid systematic review by searching PubMed until May 3rd, 2022, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles assessing determinants of Italians' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in terms of hesitancy and/or acceptance were considered eligible. Quality and risk of bias assessment was performed through the Newcastle Ottawa Scale appraisal tool. Determinants were grouped in three categories: contextual, individual and group, and vaccine/vaccination specific influences.

Results: Out of 606 articles, 59 studies were included in the analysis. Included studies demonstrated that, in Italy, COVID-19 vaccination acceptance or hesitancy is mostly influenced by perceived safety, efficacy and usefulness of the vaccine.

Conclusion: These findings should be considered to plan tailored interventions for counteracting COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Italy.