Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine confidence levels in Thailand: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundVaccination is considered effective for minimising the impact of COVID-19. Pandemic control depends on high vaccination rates and confidence levels among the population. This study determined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and confidence levels among vaccinated Thai participants. MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted between 13 September 2021 and 14 January 2022 among individuals ≥ 18 years. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms and posters in public places in Thailand. It included four components (demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccine regimens, vaccine acceptance, and confidence). Statistical analyses included a chi-squared test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and multivariate logistic regressions. ResultsApproximately 88.4% of the participants accepted the vaccine. Almost half had confidence in ‘unconcerned about vaccine side effects’ (48.2%), ‘trust in vaccine effectiveness’ (44.3%) and ‘trust in government vaccine policy’ (43.4%). Multiple logistic regression indicated that males and high education significantly correlated with vaccine acceptance. Higher age (45–59 years and ≥ 60 years) and low monthly income (≤5,000 THB) were significantly associated with trust in government vaccine policy. The 1stCoronaVac/2ndCoronaVac/3rdBNT162b2 regimen group was significantly associated with unconcern about vaccine side effects compared to the 1stAZD1222/2ndAZD1222 regimen group. ConclusionsOver half of vaccinated participants indicated concern about COVID-19 vaccine side effects and distrust in vaccine effectiveness and government policy; nonetheless, almost all took the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who received the 1stCoronaVac/2ndCoronaVac/3rdBNT162b2 regimen were unconcerned about vaccine side effects. Some socio-demographic factors were associated with vaccine acceptance and high confidence, which should be sought while designing interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates.