Factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Ukrainian refugees in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Background The COVID-19 vaccination of Ukrainian refugees (UR) should be a top priority. Methods Between May and July 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study that surveyed consecutive UR registering at a refugee center in Zielona Gora, Poland, about COVID-19 vaccination and influencing factors. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was used. Results Response rate was 83.4%. A total of 837 Ukrainians participated in the study, including 41.6% males. The largest age group (31.6%) was between 31 and 40 years old. Most respondents (61.2%) had previously lived in Ukrainian cities with fewer than 250,000 inhabitants. The majority were single (68.9%), and 57.5% reported low socioeconomic status (SES). Slightly over half of the participants (51%) had graduated from primary or vocational school. Less than one-fifth of respondents (18.3%) had completed the full COVID-19 vaccination course. The most frequently reported motivation for vaccination was protection of one’s own health (27.1%), followed by protection of family members’ health (13.3%). In addition, 27.8% reported receiving an influenza vaccination within the last 5 years, 22.8% had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 25.6% reported COVID-19 infection in a family member. The multilevel logistic regression model showed strong associations between COVID-19 vaccination and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 7.39; p < 0.0001), regular influenza vaccination (OR = 3.34; p < 0.0001), origin from a Ukrainian city with more than 250,000 inhabitants (OR = 1.89; p = 0.0001), and willingness to travel abroad (OR = 1.89; p = 0.0001). Conclusion The uptake of the full COVID-19 vaccination course among UR in Poland was disturbingly low. UR seek vaccination primarily for altruistic motives, i.e., to protect themselves and others. Educational programs should emphasize the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine and raise awareness of its importance, effectiveness, and safety, with targeted outreach to high-risk groups identified in this study.