Investigating the Reasons for Receiving the Second Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults and in People with Chronic Medical Conditions in Southern Italy

This cross-sectional survey explored the attitudes and the reasons, as well their associated factors, for receiving the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among a sample of all old adults and of people with chronic medical conditions attending two randomly selected immunization centers in Naples (Italy). A total of 438 questionnaires were collected. The majority were male (55.1%) and the median age was 71 years. A higher perception of the vaccine's utility, measured with a 10-point Likert type scale, has been observed among males, individuals with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness, with a higher self-awareness of being at risk of infection, and with a higher trust in the information received. The most reported reasons for receiving the second booster dose included protection of themselves and of their family members from getting COVID-19, fear of acquiring the disease, and having a physician's recommendation. Younger participants, married/cohabitant, and with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness were more likely to have indicated protecting themselves and their family members as reason for receiving the booster dose. Respondents with a chronic medical condition, with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness, with a lower trust in the information received, and informed by physicians were more likely to have received the vaccine because they perceived of being at risk of getting a severe form of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physicians should play a pivotal role in stressing the importance of the second booster dose and in helping individuals to make decisions.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional survey explored the attitudes and factors associated with receiving the second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine among older adults and people with chronic medical conditions in Naples, Italy. The study found that males, those perceiving COVID-19 as a severe illness, those aware of their risk of infection, and those with higher trust in information were more likely to perceive the vaccine's utility. The main reasons for receiving the second dose included protection of self and family, fear of acquiring the disease, and physician's recommendation. Younger participants and those perceiving COVID-19 as severe were more likely to indicate protection as a reason, while individuals with chronic medical conditions and lower trust in information were more likely to receive the vaccine due to perceived risk of severe infection. Physicians play a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of the second dose and aiding decision-making.