PCR272 Attitudes Towards Coronavirus Vaccination Among the Hungarian Population

Abstract

A vaccine to combat pandemic COVID-19 is available and its widespread adoption is key to fighting the pandemic. The aim of our study is to assess the willingness of the Hungarian population to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted between October and November 2021. The target group of the non-random convenience sampling was Hungarian residents. We excluded questionnaires that were filled in incorrectly. The data collection instrument was an online questionnaire designed to assess socio-demographic data, knowledge about coronavirus, and willingness to vaccinate. In addition to descriptive statistical analysis, a two-sample T-test and χ2-test were performed using SPSS software (p<0.05). Of the 1415 participants, 1193 were female, with an average age of 43.27±12.92 years. 79.9% of the respondents had requested the vaccination. Females (p<0.001), those living in the capital (p<0.001), those with 8 years of primary education or less (p<0.001) were more likely to have received the vaccine. There was a significant association between willingness to vaccinate and knowledge score about coronavirus (p<0.001). However, age did not influence vaccine uptake (p>0.05). There was a generally positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. We need to focus on messages about the safety of the vaccine and to ensure reliable professionals to provide information. Vaccination is our main form of protection against the pandemic, and we must make its promotion a priority. We can use our results and knowledge to spread the vaccine as a solution more widely.