Impact of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Vaccination in Special Populations

Vaccination is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality; however, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge, often driven by a lack of confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy. The World Health Organization defines vaccine hesitancy as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability. To enhance vaccination uptake, it is vital to provide evidence demonstrating vaccine safety and efficacy, especially for populations prone to hesitancy. This Special Issue focuses on four specific groups: children, older adults, patients with comorbid conditions, and risk-averse individuals. Research highlighted in this issue reveals that the COVID-19 vaccines generally have high efficacy and low serious adverse event rates in children. Older adults often lack adequate vaccination guidelines tailored to their specific health needs, stressing the necessity for more comprehensive recommendations. Additionally, patients with autoimmune diseases showed impaired immunity to vaccines, though a second dose proved beneficial without increasing adverse events. Moreover, risk-averse individuals demonstrated anxiety during vaccinations, particularly those with severe allergies, but this could be alleviated in controlled environments. Lastly, those with prior COVID-19 infections experienced "pandemic fatigue," elevating their vaccine hesitancy. The findings underscore the need for targeted education and support to encourage vaccination across these diverse populations, ultimately preserving public health and preventing societal disruptions.