Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

Socio-Demographic Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Middle-Aged Adults During the Quebec's Vaccination Campaign

“…However, it is worth noting that these studies were conducted when the COVID-19 vaccination campaign had not started. One study from Norway found a hesitancy rate close to our study in January 2021 (10.5%) (26).…”

Acculturation, trust to health care system, and attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination: A comparative study between Polish immigrants in Norway, Polish in Poland, and Norwegians in Norway

“…Several studies conducted in different countries have demonstrated that trust in the vaccine and in governmental health authorities are strongly related to acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination ( Ebrahimi, et al, 2021 ; Jennings, et al, 2021 ; Konstantinou, et al, 2021 ; Lamot, Krecic, & Kirbiš, 2021 ; Park, Ham, Jang, Lee, & Jang, 2021 ; Szilagyi, et al, 2021 ). These studies show that trust in the safety and effectiveness and the importance of getting vaccinated reflect trust in the authorities.…”

Social capital, urbanization level, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the United States: A national level analysis

“…As household income is related to education, level of education may influence individuals’ knowledge and perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccines [5]. Both education level and its associated assumptions of knowledge and perceptions may contribute to vaccination hesitancy among those with limited health literacy or with mistrust in science and health agencies [35]. Additionally, a significant finding is that although the COVID-19 vaccine was administered at no cost to all people in the United States, those who are uninsured were associated with low vaccination uptake.…”

“…As household income is related to education, level of education may influence individuals' knowledge and perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccines [5]. Both education level and its associated assumptions of knowledge and perceptions may contribute to vaccination hesitancy among those with limited health literacy or with mistrust in science and health agencies [35].…”