Can We Persuade Those Who Hesitate to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 vaccine studies are continuing in many centers. However, the public’s preference for vaccination against COVID -19 is not clear. This study aims to determine the knowledge level of people about vaccines developed against the coronavirus and their preferences for vaccination. Methods: Participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated with a questionnaire. Participants were selected by a stratified method as age, gender, education, and occupation group. Results: The study includes 1508 participants with a mean age of 38.97 ± 14.50 (min = 18, max = 82). 24.7% (n=373) of the participants stated that they wanted to be vaccinated, 34.5% (n=521) did not want to be vaccinated, 40.7% (n=614) stated that they were undecided about vaccination. 39.11% (n=444) of the participants stated that they were afraid of vaccines’ side effects and 19.55% (n=222) thought that the vaccines produced were used for malicious purposes and hesitated to vaccinate. 7.57% (n=86) of the participants stated that they thought the vaccines were rushed too much and not yet reassuring. Conclusions: The study results show that individuals are hesitant and unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Persuasion interventions and information are necessary, as the rate of those who accept vaccination is very low.