COVID-19 vaccination history, factors affecting vaccination status, post-vaccination illness perceptions, and changes in future vaccination approach among patients registered at Tokat Merkez 2-nolu Esentepe Family Health Center

This study examined the COVID-19 vaccination history, factors affecting vaccination status, perceptions of illnesses after vaccination, and changes in future vaccination attitudes among individuals registered at Tokat Merkez 2-Nolu Esentepe Family Health Center. The pandemic has significantly influenced both the healthcare system and societal attitudes toward vaccination. Between February and June 2025, face-to-face surveys were conducted with 1,025 volunteer participants aged 18 and above. The survey assessed COVID-19 disease and vaccination history, post-vaccination side effects, vaccine regret, attitudes in a potential future pandemic, perspectives on childhood and adult vaccinations, and trust in health institutions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Of the participants, 63% were female. While 69.4% viewed vaccination as a social responsibility, 91.1% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, 53.3% of those vaccinated expressed regret. Among those unwilling to be vaccinated again in a future pandemic (55.1%), 65.8% cited concerns about side effects. The fear of long-term side effects was 72.6%, with cardiovascular diseases (18.2%) being the most commonly reported. Psychologically, 59.7% stated they were affected by the pandemic, while 42.4% reported feeling relief with the initiation of vaccination. Additionally, 11.1% said that COVID-19 vaccines negatively impacted their views on childhood vaccinations, and 31.4% reported decreased trust in adult vaccines such as influenza and pneumonia. While 34.0% believed that vaccine refusal could positively impact public health, 72.5% noted increased trust in healthcare workers during the pandemic. In conclusion, vaccine hesitancy has become widespread in the post-pandemic period. This affects not only COVID-19 vaccines but also childhood immunizations. The causes of vaccine hesitancy should be identified, access to accurate information must be ensured, and public trust should be restored. vi Keywords: Covid-19, Pandemic, Vaccine, Side effect, Vaccine Hesitancy