Acceptance to combine vaccines among journalists and non-journalists waiting for Sputnik V second dose

Abstract

Introduction. By July 2021, there were about 40,000 Hondurans awaiting the second dose of the Sputnik V anticovid vaccine, thus it was proposed to offer them vaccine mix and match. The group also included staff from the media. This poll aimed to assess their willingness to accept the mix, as well as their perceptions on the matter. Methods. A rapid opinion poll was conducted, targeting media personnel and the general population, especially older adults, awaiting the second dose. Results. Responses were obtained from 146 people aged between 21 and 95 years old, 7 (4.8%) had already received the second dose, and 5 (3.4%) had already mixed vaccines. From the remaining 134 people, 35.8% (n = 48) were media personnel, especially reporters or radio and television presenters; 67.9% of all participants expressed concern, however, preferring to wait for the arrival of the same brand. Interestingly, 29.8% considered that anticovid vaccines can be combined, but only 14.9% were willing to accept a combination on themselves; 79.1% said they knew little or nothing of the scientific bases on mixing vaccines, without differences between journalists and non-journalists. Half of the participants catalog their biosafety measures as 'good' and the other half as 'excellent'. Conclusion. There was low acceptance to vaccine mixing, especially if it were done on themselves, as well as low willingness to participate in studies related to vaccines. There is need for more scientific information on the subject, especially among the media personnel.