Changing attitudes to vaccination in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
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Healthwatch Devon, Healthwatch Plymouth and Healthwatch Torbay were concerned about the low take up of vaccinations. They surveyed 298 people.
Satisfaction with Procedures: Most participants felt the invitation and clinic attendance procedures were satisfactory; staff at vaccination clinics and GP surgeries received high praise.
Vaccine refusal: Non-uptake reasons cited included concerns about side effects and deep-rooted scepticism towards vaccinations.
Vaccine fatigue: Around 30% of respondents demonstrated a sense of fatigue, leading to partial or complete refusal of vaccination offers.
Shingles Vaccine Confusion: Eligibility rules for 65-year-olds (starting September 2023) caused frustration, particularly among those turning 65 just before the cut-off.
Regional Disparities: Devon respondents were more likely to report not having received any vaccines in the past year compared to Plymouth and Torbay.