Attitudes towards new tuberculosis vaccines among adults, adolescents and their caregivers in southern Mozambique, 2024
Agostinho Lima, Ilse Campos, Doyoon Kim, Machi Shiiba, Lisa M. Cranmer, S. Acácio, Alberto L García-Basteiro, Lavanya Vasudevan, et al. (9 authors)
medRxiv · 2026-04
Abstract
New tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for adults and adolescents could transform TB prevention programs, but their impact depends on successful implementation. We investigated willingness to be vaccinated with a new TB vaccine in a high HIV and TB burden setting in southern Mozambique in 2024 using a mixed methods approach involving a cross-sectional survey and concurrent in-depth interviews. In 151 surveys and 23 interviews, we found that willingness to receive a new TB vaccine among adults and adolescents was 77% (148/192) overall. In multivariable analysis, adolescents were more willing to receive a new TB vaccine than adults even when adjusting for other factors which may influence vaccination decisions (adjusted OR: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.7-17.7). Personal experience with TB and greater knowledge of the disease was also linked with willingness to be vaccinated. Qualitative findings reinforced quantitative findings, further clarifying that even among those who expressed hesitancy, a safe and effective TB vaccine endorsed by healthcare workers, government agencies, and community leaders would likely have high uptake. Our findings are specific to southern Mozambique and can shape vaccine introduction efforts after a TB vaccine is licensed and approved for use in this age group.
MeSH terms
- Medicine
- Tuberculosis
- Vaccination
- Family medicine
- Environmental health
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Government (linguistics)
- Disease
- Qualitative research
- Young adult
- Immunization
- Tuberculosis vaccines
- Health care
- Public health