A longitudinal study of vaccine hesitancy attitudes and social influence as predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the US

Abstract

Background In many countries with high levels of COVID-19 vaccine access, uptake remains a major issue. We examined prospective predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a United States longitudinal study. Methods An online longitudinal study on COVID-19 and well-being assessed vaccine hesitancy attitudes, social norms, and uptake among 444 respondents who had completed both survey waves in March and June 2021. Results The mean sample age was 41, with 55% female, 71% white, 13% Black, and 6% Latinx. In March 2021, 14% had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. By June 2021, 64% reported receiving at least one dose. In prospectively assessing predictors of vaccine uptake, we found strong correlations among five different vaccine hesitancy questions. In multivariable logistic regression models, family and friends discouraging vaccination (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = .26, 95% CI = .07, .98), not knowing whom to believe about vaccine safety (aOR = .51, 95% CI = .27, .95), and concerns that shortcuts were taken with vaccine development (aOR = .43, 95% CI = .23, .81) were all independent predictors of lower vaccine uptake. Political conservatism, gender, education, and income were also independent predictors of reduced uptake. Vaccine hesitancy items were also modeled as a scale, and the scale was found to be strongly predictive of vaccine uptake. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of social norm interventions and suggest general and specific vaccine hesitancy attitudes, especially trust, should be considered in developing vaccine uptake programs.

Associations between the Self-Reported Likelihood of Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine, Likelihood of Contracting COVID-19, Discrimination, and Anxiety/Depression by Sexual Orientation

“…The present study elucidated interesting trends across sexual orientation for the perceived likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Our multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded similar findings to previous literature as individuals who reported lower income (heterosexual respondents) and education levels (heterosexual and sexual minority respondents) were less likely to report being likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. This illustrates an important area of concern and intervention for vaccine education and promotion, given individuals of lower socioeconomic status have the highest risk for poor respiratory health [ 34 ].…”

The impact of educational interventions on COVID-19 and vaccination attitudes among patients in Michigan: A prospective study

“…In addition, the study found that those in the lowest household income bracket showed a decrease in knowledge regarding the protection and reduction of COVID-19 transmission, while other variables were not statistically significant. This finding is supported by the work of Latkin et al, which found that income was an independent predictor of reduced vaccine uptake and increased hesitancy (38). Latkin et al also demonstrated that political conservatism was associated with reduced vaccine uptake and hesitancy.…”

“…Regarding knowledge, those in the age range between 25-34 and 45-54 showed no improvement post-intervention regarding COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Those in the age range [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] showed decreased knowledge in this variable post-intervention. Interestingly, Gravelle et al reported that individuals aged 25-49 were the group most hesitant towards vaccination and associated this age range with those who are most likely to be parents (36).…”

The social and socio-political embeddedness of COVID-19 vaccination decision-making: A five-country qualitative interview study from Europe

“…Existing research has identified a set of themes that inform COVID-19 vaccination practices across countries. First, pre-existing attitudes regarding vaccinations shape stances towards a COVID-19 vaccine, both in favour of getting vaccinated [6] and for those who report hesitation [1] , [21] .…”