Confidence and Receptivity for COVID-19 Vaccines: A Rapid Systematic Review

Abstract

While COVID-19 continues raging worldwide, effective vaccines are highly anticipated. However, vaccine hesitancy is widespread. Survey results on uptake intentions vary and continue to change. This review compared trends and synthesized findings in vaccination receptivity over time across US and international polls, assessing survey design influences and evaluating context to inform policies and practices. Data sources included academic literature (PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO following PRISMA guidelines), news and official reports published by 20 October 2020. Two researchers independently screened potential peer-reviewed articles and syndicated polls for eligibility; 126 studies and surveys were selected. Declining vaccine acceptance (from >70% in March to <50% in October) with demographic, socioeconomic, and partisan divides was observed. Perceived risk, concerns over vaccine safety and effectiveness, doctors’ recommendations, and inoculation history were common factors. Impacts of regional infection rates, gender, and personal COVID-19 experience were inconclusive. Unique COVID-19 factors included political party orientation, doubts toward expedited development/approval process, and perceived political interference. Many receptive participants preferred to wait until others have taken the vaccine; mandates could increase resistance. Survey wording and answer options showed influence on responses. To achieve herd immunity, communication campaigns are immediately needed, focusing on transparency and restoring trust in health authorities.

Effect of information about COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and side effects on behavioural intentions: two online experiments

“…We also examined how messages influenced participants' perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and safety, beliefs which are consistently associated with vaccine intentions (Freeman et al, 2021;C. Lin et al, 2021).…”

“…Lin et al, 2020;Paul et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2021;Wong et al, 2020). Indeed, a recent systematic review of such studies (C. Lin et al, 2021) concludes that perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness are 'universally' consistent determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (p. 8). Further, surveys which specifically asked COVID-19 vaccine hesitant participants their reason for vaccine refusal or delay consistently report that concerns over safety and efficacy are among the most common reasons given (Callaghan et al, 2021;Fisher et al, 2020;Frank & Arim, 2020;Ruiz & Bell, 2021;Yigit et al, 2021;Yoda & Katsuyama, 2021).…”

“…(WHO, 2014, p. 7). Factors such as religion, gender, political ideology, and trust in medical and scientific institutions have been shown to be associated with vaccine hesitancy, both in general and regarding COVID-19 vaccines specifically (de Figueiredo et al, 2020;Kerr et al, 2020;C. Lin et al, 2021).…”

“…Lin et al, 2021). While these broader factors are important, research has also shown that specific beliefs about and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccinations are also closely linked to vaccination intentions (Freeman et al, 2021;C. Lin et al, 2021).…”

An increase in willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the US between October 2020 and February 2021: longitudinal evidence from the Understanding America Study

“…4 However, recent large-scale reviews indicate that willingness to vaccinate has been declining throughout the pandemic and may be insufficient to ensure widespread vaccination. 5,6 For instance, in the U.S. approximately half of adults indicated they were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in October 2020, down from over 70% in April, 2020. 7…”