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.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic persists with resurgent waves while debates intensify about reinstituting lockdowns, civil liberties, and societal livelihood
Our results showed that vaccine hesitancy is universal across countries, states, and subgroups, so are its determinants—perceived disease or outbreak severity, infection risk, and vaccine safety, effectiveness, and necessity
Vaccine hesitancy is an imminent threat in the battle against COVID-19 because achieving herd immunity depends on the efficacy of the vaccine itself and the population’s willingness to accept it
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic persists with resurgent waves while debates intensify about reinstituting lockdowns, civil liberties, and societal livelihood. Vaccines have become the hopeful savior to end the worst global health and economic crisis of living memory. Vaccine hesitancy can be dated back to the 1800s [3]. Studies regarding intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have been published since early 2020 with great variations in question formats and results [5,6,7,8,9,10]. Many reported a pattern of increasing doubts about vaccine safety and declining receptivity [11,12,13]. Differences in their findings and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy unique to COVID19 have not been systematically examined
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
