Converting the maybes: Crucial for a successful COVID-19 vaccination strategy

Abstract

Background Broad community acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccination will be critical for effectively halting the spread of the virus. In this study, we focus on factors that differentiate those who are undecided from those who are either willing or unwilling to accept a prospective COVID-19 vaccine. Methods An online survey in May 2020 assessed Australian adults’ willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (yes, maybe, no). A multinomial logistical regression of responses (N = 1,313) was used to identify correlates of vaccine willingness between the three groups. Results 65% were willing to vaccinate, with 27% being in the ‘maybe’ category. Respondents were more likely to be in the ‘maybe’ than the ‘yes’ group when they perceived COVID-19 to be less severe, had less trust in science, were less willing to vaccinate for influenza, and were female. They were more likely to be in the ‘maybe’ than ‘no’ group when they perceived COVID-19 as severe, and less likely to be a hoax, had more trust in science, and greater willingness to vaccinate for influenza. A repeat of the survey in November 2020 with a subset of participants found fewer of them saying yes to the vaccine (56%) and more saying maybe (31%). Conclusions The effectiveness of any COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be reliant on maximizing uptake. The significant number of people who remain undecided about whether or not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, despite the ongoing devastating consequences of the virus for individuals, communities, and economies, is concerning. Our findings aid current research seeking to inform policy regarding how to convince the undecided to vaccinate.

The UPTAKE study: a cross-sectional survey examining the insights and beliefs of the UK population on COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy

“… 31 However, in our study, the ‘unsure’ group is twice the size of the ‘non-uptake’ group. An Australian study by Attwell et al 32 demonstrated that respondents were more likely to be in the ‘maybe’ group versus the ‘no’ group for vaccination if they perceived COVID-19 to be a severe disease and not a ‘hoax’, were more likely to have the influenza vaccination and had greater trust in science. In the case of our study, the ‘unsure’ group, which makes a significant portion of the ‘non-uptake’ group, may change their mind about the vaccine once further details on an approved vaccine become available, particularly information on safety and efficacy.…”

Payments and freedoms: Effects of monetary and legal incentives on COVID-19 vaccination intentions in Germany

“…Rapid, large-scale uptake of vaccines against COVID-19 is required to control and eventually end the current pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy may prevent a significant share of the population from getting vaccinated (Attwell et al, 2021). Previous research indicates that low vaccination intentions can result from people having little confidence in vaccine safety, being complacent (i.e., considering vaccination as rather unnecessary) or calculative (i.e., extensively weighing risks and benefits), encountering barriers constraining vaccination, or perceiving low collective responsibility (e.g., lack of willingness to get vaccinated to protect others) (Betsch et al, 2018).…”

Coronavax: preparing community and government for COVID-19 vaccination: a research protocol for a mixed methods social research project

“…14 Studies conducted between April and June 2020 found between 65% and 86% of Australians were likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. [15][16][17] The WHO listed 'vaccine hesitancy' as one of the top threats to global health in 2019, 18 even before the pandemic. Hence, implementing an evidence-based plan for COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is crucial.…”