COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Decreases in Europe, Especially in Malta

Strategic Insights -

A new report from researchers at the University of Malta suggests that the uptake of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines has decreased in Europe, with a significant decline observed in Malta. The study aimed to investigate attitudes towards these vaccines and identify reasons for non-adherence. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents did not take or intend to take the COVID-19 or seasonal influenza vaccines, with females being less likely to do so. Perceived lack of safety was a primary reason for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine, while perceived lack of a threat from seasonal influenza was the reason for rejecting the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 75% of respondents did not take or intend to take the COVID-19 vaccine, while 64.3% did not take or intend to take the seasonal influenza vaccine.
  • Females were less likely to take or intend to take the COVID-19 vaccine compared to males (p = 0.033).
  • Perceived lack of safety was the primary reason for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine, cited by 31.3% of respondents.
  • Perceived lack of a threat from seasonal influenza was the reason for rejecting the seasonal influenza vaccine, cited by 26% of respondents.
  • Those with chronic conditions were positively associated with the uptake of both vaccines.
  • The study concludes that in the post-pandemic era, COVID-19 vaccines are not envisaged as having a major role in protecting one's health.
  • A high degree of skepticism, especially towards the combined COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccine in terms of safety, is still present in the population.

Statistics:

  • 75% of respondents did not take or intend to take the COVID-19 vaccine (*n* = 417).
  • 64.3% of respondents did not take or intend to take the seasonal influenza vaccine (*n* = 362).
  • 31.3% of respondents cited perceived lack of safety as a reason for rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine (*n* = 174).
  • 26% of respondents cited perceived lack of a threat from seasonal influenza as a reason for rejecting the seasonal influenza vaccine (*n* = 144).
  • 555 responses were received in the study.

Sources:

  • Attitudes Toward COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in the Post-COVID Era: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adults in Malta (Pharmacy, 2025, 13(4):102).
  • Research article available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/pharmacy13040102.
  • Contact information for Maria Cordina: Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Professionals Education and Research, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta.