COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in four major US metropolitan areas and nationwide

Ayman El-Mohandes,Spencer H Kimball,Katarzyna Wyka,Kenneth Rabin,Trenton M White,Lauren Rauh,Scott C Ratzan,Jeffrey V Lazarus

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-00794-6

Abstract

This study assesses attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the predictive value of COVID-VAC, a novel scale, among adults in the four largest US metropolitan areas and nationally. A 36-item survey of 6037 Americans was conducted in mid-April 2021. The study reports factors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among: (1) already vaccinated; (2) unvaccinated but willing to accept a vaccine; and (3) unvaccinated and unwilling to vaccinate. More than 20% were unwilling to vaccinate, expressing concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety and questioning the disease’s severity. Poverty, working outside of the home and conservative political views are predictors of unwillingness. Conversely, those who either personally tested positive for COVID-19, or had a family member who did so, were more likely to accept vaccination. Majorities of all respondents supported vaccination mandates for employees and university students. Respondents preferred to receive vaccines in their doctor´s office. Lower income and conservative ideology, but not race, were strongly associated with vaccine unwillingness. The predictive value of COVID-VAC was demonstrated. While vaccination mandates are likely to be accepted, additional effective, targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake are needed urgently.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten population health, disrupt healthcare delivery and diminish economic and social activities globally, with over 230 million cumulative cases, 4.7 million deaths, and 6.2 billion doses of administered vaccines[1,2]
A higher percentage of respondents in the metropolitan areas worked outside the home than found in the national sample
This study on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the United States found sharp contrasts in vaccination willingness among unvaccinated respondents in the national sample compared to the four metropolitan areas studied

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten population health, disrupt healthcare delivery and diminish economic and social activities globally, with over 230 million cumulative cases, 4.7 million deaths, and 6.2 billion doses of administered vaccines[1,2]. Continued to rise as vaccinations rolled out Amongst those uncertain or against a COVID-19 vaccine, no key sentiment or sub-group (e.g. political, socioeconomic, demographic) was m onolithic[30]. This study explores factors associated with vaccine acceptance in the US in 2021, one year after the pandemic was declared, including perceptions of risk, safety, efficacy and trust in government as well as sociodemographic and political factors. It tests the predictive value of a novel 6-item vaccine acceptance scale, COVID-VAC. Respondents’ motivators and barriers, preferred sources of information and vaccination location were explored to help inform vaccination strategies

Methods

Results

Conclusion