Abstract
Objective: Immunization is a primary method for addressing COVID-19. Uptake in high-risk groups has been strong, however vaccination hesitancy is more prominent among younger adults. This research sought to identify the factors influencing vaccine uptake in 18–55-year-olds.
Method: Study 1, a qualitative survey (n = 80), identified beliefs about COVID vaccines and immunization programs. Study 2 (n = 473) tested whether the factors identified in study 1 predicted intention for self-vaccination and parental intention to vaccinate children. Data on vaccination behaviour was obtained in Study 3 (n = 309).
Results: Analysis showed individuals recognized benefits of vaccination as a path to “return to normality” and “protect others” but concerns, such as side-effects to fertility, were apparent and for some, the personal value in vaccination was questioned. Data was interpreted as largely reflective of Health Belief Model constructs. Study 2 supported this interpretation. Specifically, Benefits of, and Barriers to, vaccination predicted intention to vaccinate oneself and their children, across Black, Asian, other minority groups (BAME) and White communities. Additionally, for BAME communities, cues to action positively predicted intention. For vaccine behaviour, benefits of, and Barriers to, vaccination remained relevant in predicting vaccination behaviours, along with susceptivity and severity of COVID (no differences between ethnic communities were found). Willingness to vaccinate children decreases as the age of the child reduced.
Conclusions: Addressing vaccine hesitancy is crucial to managing COVID-19. Findings indicate emphasizing specific benefits, such as protecting others, whilst addressing barriers, including side-effect misinformation, is key to driving vaccine uptake.
Method: Study 1, a qualitative survey (n = 80), identified beliefs about COVID vaccines and immunization programs. Study 2 (n = 473) tested whether the factors identified in study 1 predicted intention for self-vaccination and parental intention to vaccinate children. Data on vaccination behaviour was obtained in Study 3 (n = 309).
Results: Analysis showed individuals recognized benefits of vaccination as a path to “return to normality” and “protect others” but concerns, such as side-effects to fertility, were apparent and for some, the personal value in vaccination was questioned. Data was interpreted as largely reflective of Health Belief Model constructs. Study 2 supported this interpretation. Specifically, Benefits of, and Barriers to, vaccination predicted intention to vaccinate oneself and their children, across Black, Asian, other minority groups (BAME) and White communities. Additionally, for BAME communities, cues to action positively predicted intention. For vaccine behaviour, benefits of, and Barriers to, vaccination remained relevant in predicting vaccination behaviours, along with susceptivity and severity of COVID (no differences between ethnic communities were found). Willingness to vaccinate children decreases as the age of the child reduced.
Conclusions: Addressing vaccine hesitancy is crucial to managing COVID-19. Findings indicate emphasizing specific benefits, such as protecting others, whilst addressing barriers, including side-effect misinformation, is key to driving vaccine uptake.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 584-592 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Health Psychology |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Jan 2023 |
Keywords
- Covid-19
- Health belief model
- Immunization
- Mixed-methods
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Applied Psychology