Assessing associations and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among college students in a university setting

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and factors related to vaccination coverage among college students in a university setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study design included undergraduate and graduate students in a university community as study participants. Survey questions assessed the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and various predictor variables related to vaccination decision-making. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation statistics, and binary logistic regression. Results: Of the 385 participants, most were undergraduate students. Participants who received the influenza vaccine in the past flu season were more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants with perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 were five times more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination coverage and perceived susceptibility were associated with the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Study findings may serve to inform behavior change interventions and educational programs for students in university communities.