COVID-19 Vaccination Intention Research Articles

코로나19 팬데믹 상황에서 코로나19 백신접종 의도 결정 요인 탐색

This study examined the factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccination intention, considering demographic factors (gender, age group, residential area, political orientation), individual risk perception, optimistic bias, subjective norms, preventive behaviors, and information-seeking behaviors. Data were collected through an online survey from February 9, 2021 to February 14, right before starting the COVID-19 vaccination. The findings are as follows: Age group, residential area, and optimistic bias were identified as factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccination intention. Higher age groups, non-metropolitan residential areas, and lower levels of optimistic bias were associated with the higher COVID-19 vaccination intention. Individual risk perception and subjective norms were found to have no significant effects on the COVID-19 vaccination intention. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 vaccination intention is influenced more by individual attributes than by the perception of risk during a pandemic like COVID-19. The results provide practical implications to design effective vaccination strategies for the future similar pandemic circumstances.

Cultural tightness–looseness and normative social influence in eight Asian countries: Associations of individual and collective norms with vaccination intentions

RationaleCountries worldwide faced the same public health crisis that required promoting the same health behavior—vaccinations—during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, scholars have a unique opportunity to test behavioral change theories across countries with different cultural backgrounds. ObjectiveEmploying the extended theory of social normative behavior, this study examines the influence of individual and collective norms on COVID-19 vaccination intention across eight Asian countries. We examine how cultural tightness–looseness, defined as the degree of a culture's emphasis on norms and tolerance of deviant behavior, shapes normative social influence on COVID-19 vaccination intention. MethodsWe conducted a multicountry online survey (N = 2676) of unvaccinated individuals in China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam in May and June 2021, when COVID-19 vaccination mandates had not yet been implemented in those countries. We conducted hierarchical regression analyses with interaction terms for the total sample and then re-categorizied the eight countries as either “tight” (n = 1102) or “loose” (n = 1574) to examine three-way interactions between individual norms, collective norms, and cultural tightness-looseness. ResultsPerceived injunctive norms exerted the strongest impact of all normative factors on vaccination intention. Collective injunctive norms’ influence depended on both perceived injunctive and descriptive norms, which was larger when norms were lower (vs. higher). The interactive pattern between perceived and collective norms was more pronounced in countries with greater cultural tightness. ConclusionOur findings reveal nuanced patterns of how individual and collective social norms influence health behavioral decisions, depending on the degree of cultural tightness–looseness.

COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, values, intentions: US parents for their children, September 2021

ObjectivesTo compare vaccine-related attitudes and values of parents of children 2–17 years old to other adults, examine intentions to vaccinate their children, and identify factors associated with intending to vaccinate children. MethodsA nationally representative survey was conducted in September 2021 (just before the EUA for children 5–11 years old) using Ipsos KnowledgePanel, a probability-based web panel. The survey measured COVID-19 vaccination status, intentions, attitudes, values, and trust in public health authorities among US adults. Scale response options to survey items were dichotomized, and cross-tabulations and logistic regressions were performed. ResultsParents had lower odds of reporting being vaccinated against COVID-19 than other adults even after adjusting for associated sociodemographic characteristics such as age (aOR: 0.66; 95 %CI: 0.50–0.87). The most prevalent parental concerns about COVID-19 vaccines included the speed of their development (88 %), potential side effects (78 %), suspicion of government (77 %), and suspicion of pharmaceutical companies (72 %). Fewer than half (42 %) of parents intended to vaccinate their children 5–11 years old, while 38 % were uncertain and 20 % were unlikely to ever vaccinate their children. Vaccinated parents had higher odds than unvaccinated parents of intending to vaccinate their children (OR: 675.51; 95 %CI: 106.46–4286.12). Discussions with healthcare providers who encouraged COVID-19 vaccination were positively associated with intent to vaccinate children (OR: 11.29; 95 %CI: 2.60–49.02). ConclusionsWe found parental vaccination and conversations with providers were positively associated with intent to vaccinate children. Decisions about childhood vaccination need to be supported by healthcare providers and a public health system that makes vaccine access and related information equitable and accessible. Vaccination-related decision making should be guided by healthcare providers and provide information about safety and risk to children.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Promptness after Eligibility in a North Carolina Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Many studies identified factors associated with vaccination intention and hesitancy, but factors associated with vaccination promptness and the effect of vaccination intention on vaccination promptness are unknown. This study identified factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination promptness and evaluated the role of vaccination intention on vaccination promptness in 1223 participants in a community-based longitudinal cohort study (June 2020 to December 2021). Participants answered questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination intention, vaccination status, and reasons for not receiving a vaccine. The association of baseline vaccine hesitancy with vaccination was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Follow-up analyses tested the importance of other variables predicting vaccination using the Cox proportional hazards model. Older age was associated with shorter time to vaccination (HR = 1.76 [1.37-2.25] 85-year-old versus 65-year-old). Lower education levels (HR = 0.80 [0.69-0.92]), household incomes (HR = 0.84 [0.72-0.98]), and baseline vaccination intention of 'No' (HR = 0.16 [0.11-0.23]) were associated with longer times to vaccination. The most common reasons for not being vaccinated (N = 58) were vaccine safety concerns (n = 33), side effects (n = 28), and vaccine effectiveness (n = 25). Vaccination campaigns that target populations prone to hesitancy and address vaccine safety and effectiveness could be helpful in future vaccination rollouts.

Investigating the role of threat, coping, and sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 vaccination intention

Investigating the role of threat, coping, and sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 vaccination intention

County-level barriers in the COVID-19 vaccine coverage index and their associations with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.

County-level vaccination barriers (sociodemographic barriers, limited healthcare system resources, healthcare accessibility barriers, irregular healthcare seeking behaviors, history of low vaccination) may partially explain COVID-19 vaccination intentions among U.S. adults. This study examined whether county-level vaccination barriers varied across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. and were associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, this study assessed whether these associations differed across racial/ethnic groups. This study used data from the REACH-US study, a large online survey of U.S. adults (N = 5,475) completed from January 2021-March 2021. County-level vaccination barriers were measured using the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Index. Ordinal logistic regression estimated associations between race/ethnicity and county-level vaccination barriers and between county-level vaccination barriers and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Models adjusted for covariates (age, gender, income, education, political ideology, health insurance, high-risk chronic health condition). Multigroup analysis estimated whether associations between barriers and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine differed across racial/ethnic groups. American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino ELP [English Language Preference (ELP); Spanish Language Preference (SLP)], and Multiracial adults were more likely than White adults to live in counties with higher overall county-level vaccination barriers [Adjusted Odd Ratios (AORs):1.63-3.81]. Higher county-level vaccination barriers were generally associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, yet associations were attenuated after adjusting for covariates. Trends differed across barriers and racial/ethnic groups. Higher sociodemographic barriers were associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR:0.78, 95% CI:0.64-0.94), whereas higher irregular care-seeking behavior was associated with greater willingness to receive the vaccine (AOR:1.20, 95% CI:1.04-1.39). Greater history of low vaccination was associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among Black/African American adults (AOR:0.55, 95% CI:0.37-0.84), but greater willingness to receive the vaccine among American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino ELP adults (AOR:1.90, 95% CI:1.10-3.28; AOR:1.85, 95% CI:1.14-3.01). Future public health emergency vaccination programs should include planning and coverage efforts that account for structural barriers to preventive healthcare and their intersection with sociodemographic factors. Addressing structural barriers to COVID-19 treatment and preventive services is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in future infectious disease outbreaks.

Health Belief Model Factors and Personal Characteristics Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination Behaviors in Adults.

Prior studies have mainly examined factors regarding COVID-19 vaccination intentions. This study investigated the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination behaviors in Korean adults. A total of 620 adults recruited from a survey company between July and August 2021 completed an online survey asking about their personal characteristics, health beliefs, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 test, independent-samples t test, and logistic regression analysis. Less than half the participants received COVID-19 vaccinations, whereas 56.3% did not. The full regression model explained 33.3% of the variance in COVID-19 vaccination status. Age older than 60 years, perception of feeling healthy, presence of chronic diseases, past flu shot experiences, and five health belief model factors were significant factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination behaviors. COVID-19 vaccination intention was the most closely related factor (odds ratio, 12.37; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-43.26; P < .001). Vaccinated participants were more likely than unvaccinated to perceive susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, benefits, self-efficacy, moral responsibility, and subjective norms regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Based on the results, vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals showed different attitudes toward COVID-19 infection and vaccination. This study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination intentions lead to actual vaccination behavior.

Role of Trust, Risk Perception, and Perceived Benefit in COVID-19 Vaccination Intention of the Public.

COVID-19 vaccination is an effective method for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposed and validated a theoretical intention model for explaining the COVID-19 vaccination intention (CVI) of the public. The theoretical intention model incorporated trust in vaccines, two types of risk perception (risk perception of COVID-19 and risk perception of COVID-19 vaccination), and perceived benefit into a theory of planned behavior (TPB). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the theoretical intention model with data collected from 816 Chinese adults in China. The results confirmed the crucial role of trust in vaccines, risk perception, and perceived benefit in shaping the CVI of the public. In addition, TPB was found to be applicable in a research context. The theoretical intention model accounted for 78.8% of the variance in CVI. Based on the findings, several practical recommendations for improving COVID-19 vaccination rates were discussed.

Correlates of COVID-19 vaccination intentions and opinions about mandates among four groups of adults in South Africa with distinct vaccine intentions: evidence from a large national survey

IntroductionDespite a high number of recorded COVID-19 infections and deaths in South Africa, COVID-19 vaccine coverage remained low in March 2022, ten months into the national vaccine roll-out. This study provides evidence on the correlates of vaccine intentions, attitudes towards vaccination and opinions about mandates.MethodsWe used data from the second COVID-19 Vaccine Survey (CVACS), a telephone survey conducted February-March 2022 among 3,608 South African adults who self-reported not being vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey instrument was designed in consultation with government, policymakers, and civil society; and segmented the sample into four distinct groups with different vaccine intentions (synonymous with vaccine hesitancy levels). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes and behaviours associated with the different vaccination intentions groups. Thematic coding of responses to open-ended questions elicited insights on reasons for not being vaccinated and attitudes towards mandates.ResultsIntentions to get vaccinated were greater among individuals with lower socio-economic status (Mann–Whitney Z = -11.3, p < 0.001); those believing the vaccine protects against death (Kruskal–Wallis Χ2 = 494, p < 0.001); and those who perceived themselves at risk of COVID-19-related illness (Χ2 = 126, p < 0.01). Vaccine intentions were lower among individuals who believed that the vaccine causes death (Χ2 = 163, p < 0.001); believed that the vaccine is unsafe for the babies of pregnant/breastfeeding mothers, or the chronically ill (Χ2 = 123, p < 0.01); those not trusting government health information about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine (Kendall’s τ = -0.41, p < 0.01); and those in opposition to mandates (τ = 0.35, p < 0.001). Only 25% supported mandates, despite 48% thinking mandates would work well, with 54% citing individual rights as their main reason for mandate opposition.ConclusionThe profile of individuals not vaccinated against COVID-19 as of March 2022 varied markedly by self-reported vaccination intentions, underscoring the importance of tailored demand-creation efforts. This paper highlights several factors which differ significantly across these groups. These findings could inform the design of future vaccination campaigns, potentially increasing their likelihood of success. This is an important policy objective given widespread vaccine hesitancy, and further work is required on this topic. Mandates remain an option to increase coverage but need to be carefully considered given extensive opposition.

Using behavioral theory to understand partisan differences in COVID-19 vaccination and booster intentions.

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for two COVID-19 vaccines. Two years later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 250 million individuals had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Despite the large numbers of individuals vaccinated against COVID-19, partisan differences surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine emerged, creating a potential challenge for health communications aimed at increasing vaccine uptake. A better understanding of partisan differences in attitudes and intentions towards vaccination may help guide public health strategies aimed at increasing vaccine uptake. To determine whether a commonly used theory of behavioral intentions used to craft public health messages explains partisan differences in intentions. Data were drawn from a national panel of US adults and collected between February 21, 2022, and March 3, 2022, using an online survey (n = 1845). Among respondents identifying as either Democrat or Republican (n = 1466), path analysis models were estimated to test whether partisan differences in vaccination or booster intentions were explained by the theoretical constructs of protection motivation theory (PMT). PMT accounted for approximately half of the covariate-adjusted mean difference in COVID-19 vaccination intentions between Democrats and Republicans, and nearly all the mean difference in booster intentions. Party affiliation indirectly affected intentions via its association with perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, vaccine/booster efficacy, and perceived costs of getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose. Compared with Democrats, Republicans may be less likely to get vaccinated or receive a booster dose because of beliefs that they are less susceptible to COVID-19, that the vaccine is less effective, and that vaccination comes with disadvantages. Theories of behavioral intentions can help to identify the underlying theoretical determinants driving behavioral differences between political groups.

A randomized controlled trial of an information intervention to bolster COVID-19 vaccination intention among people with purity concerns.

Previous literature has indicated a strong negative correlation between the moral foundation of purity/sanctity and vaccination rates. The current research investigated how purity concerns impact COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and tested an information intervention to bolster vaccination intention among people with purity concerns. Study 1 surveyed 566 Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents in the United States. Study 2 was a between-subject-designed survey experiment that investigated the impact of three statements on the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and intentions of 637 Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents. Statement 1 argued that vaccines are not impure from a scientific perspective; Statement 2 made the same argument with quotes from the Bible; and Statement 3 was a control statement. Study 1 established a significant correlation between the existence of vaccination history and purity as a moral foundation. Study 2 found that among those with no COVID-19 vaccination history, statements arguing that vaccines are not impure from either a scientific perspective or a religious perspective improved attitudes toward vaccination and intention to get vaccinated. Purity concerns can be leveraged as a way to bolster vaccination rates, especially among conservatives. However, the impurity perception only mediated the causal relationship between the treatment and the attitude toward vaccines (but not the actual intention), suggesting that changes in the actual vaccination behavior are subject to factors other than purity concerns. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Current health care experiences, medical trust, and COVID-19 vaccination intention and uptake in Black and White Americans.

The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted Black Americans' inequitable health care experiences. Across two studies, we tested the associations between health care experiences, historical knowledge of medical mistreatment, medical trust, and COVID-19 vaccination intention and uptake in Black and White Americans. We hypothesized that Black Americans' worse current health care experiences (rather than historical knowledge) and lower medical trust would be associated with lower COVID-19 vaccination intention (Study 1) and that feeling less cared for by their personal physician would be associated with Black Americans' lower medical trust (Study 2). In convenience (Study 1, December 2020) and nationally representative samples (Study 2, March-April 2021), participants completed online surveys. In Study 1 (N = 297), Black (relative to White) Americans reported lower vaccination intention (Cohen's d = -.55, p < .001) and lower medical trust (Cohen's d = -.72, p < .001). Additionally, less positive health care experiences among Black participants (Cohen's d = -.33, p = .022) were associated with less medical trust and in turn lower vaccination intention. Tuskegee Study knowledge was not associated with vaccination intention or medical trust. Study 2 (N = 12,757) data revealed no statistically significant racial differences in COVID-19 vaccination receipt or intention. Black (relative to White) Americans reported feeling less cared for by their personal physician (Cohen's d = -.44, p < .001), which was associated with lower medical trust (Cohen's d = -.51, p < .001). Findings highlight factors that may contribute to Black Americans' vaccination hesitancy and medical trust. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Vaccination intention and uptake within the Black community in Appalachia.

Black communities have disproportionately experienced adverse health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously having less vaccination access and decreased vaccine utilization. As such, predictors of vaccination uptake within Black communities are a public health imperative. Black Americans from socio-geographic regions associated with health inequities (e.g., Appalachia), including vaccination disparities, represent an intersection of racial, economic, and ethnic social identities. To better understand the preventive health needs of Black communities in Appalachia and elsewhere, this study examined psychosocial predictors of vaccination intention or behavior. Adults (n = 336) identifying as Black or African American from West Virginia indicated demographics, reported COVID-19 vaccination intention, flu vaccination uptake, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake, and completed assessments of vaccine hesitancy, medical mistrust, and racial discrimination. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling examined potential associations between psychosocial predictors and each vaccine type. Results showed variation in significant predictors across the vaccines of focus. Racial discrimination (OR = 0.64) and medical mistrust (OR = 0.93) were negatively associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention. Vaccine confidence was positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention (OR = 2.17) and HPV vaccination uptake (OR = 1.77). Total household income was the only predictor associated with flu vaccination uptake (OR = 1.12). These findings suggest that social interventions targeting racial discrimination in healthcare may significantly help address vaccination disparities in rural Black communities. Moreover, results emphasize unique aspects of vaccination behavior in the Black community within Appalachia that may generalize to other Black communities living in rural regions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

COVID-19 vaccine behaviour among citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario: A qualitative study

BackgroundThe burden of the current COVID-19 pandemic is not shared equally in Canadian society, with Indigenous Peoples being disproportionately affected. Moreover, there is a lack of research pertaining to vaccination behaviour in Métis communities. This Métis-specific and Métis-led qualitative study endeavours to understand COVID-19 vaccine behaviour among citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). MethodsData was collected via one-on-one interviews. Participants were recruited via the MNO’s existing social media channels. Participants filled out a screening survey indicating their intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 as yes, no, or unsure. Sixteen participants (9 yes, 3 unsure, 4 no) were interviewed. Interviews averaged 30 min, and the questions and probes were developed in collaboration with the MNO. The interviewer received Métis-specific cultural safety training. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded to NVivo 12. ResultsA deductive analysis using the Social Ecological Model framework (SEM) for vaccine behaviour and two blinded coders was used to understand the data. An additional factor, COVID-19 public health measures, was added to the framework to better capture the experiences of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the factors with the greatest number of coded references included Vaccine roll-out and availability, Organization of the public into priority groups, Public discourse, Interpersonal influences, Interface with health professionals, Knowledge state, Trust, and Vaccine risk perception. Bandwagoning (following others’ behaviour) and Freeloading (perceiving enough people have been vaccinated), both factors of the SEM, were not discussed. Yes, no, and unsure participant groups were compared to understand the influences of each factor based on COVID-19 vaccination intention. ConclusionsMNO citizens COVID-19 vaccine behaviour was negatively and positively influenced by a number of factors. This information will allow the MNO and public health units to better tailor their messaging for COVID-19 vaccine uptake campaigns and future pandemic emergencies.

Exploring the impact of trust dimensions on COVID-19 vaccination intention and behavior: A quantitative analysis

The rapid proliferation of COVID-19 vaccines has emerged as a pivotal strategy to combat the ongoing pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy, influenced by various vaccine-related factors, significantly impacts the adoption of COVID-19 vaccination. Misinformation contributes to vaccine distrust and hinders individuals' willingness to receive the vaccine. Despite its critical importance, there remains a paucity of comprehensive studies focusing on the determinants of vaccine confidence, leading to a deficiency in implementation research aimed at understanding and modifying individuals' behavior towards COVID-19 vaccination. This research endeavors to examine the influence of three key dimensions of trust in the COVID-19 vaccine, namely vaccine reliability, transparency in information dissemination, and pharmaceutical laboratory investment in innovation, on individuals' intention to receive the vaccine. Furthermore, we investigate the repercussions of these dimensions on actual COVID-19 vaccination behavior. Our quantitative study comprises a sample of 240 participants and employs a rigorous analytical approach. The findings underscore that individuals' intent to vaccinate against COVID-19 is positively affected by all three trust dimensions, i.e., drug reliability, innovation investment, and information transparency. Importantly, this intention positively correlates with actual vaccination behavior. This study substantiates the utility of the behavioral approach and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in elucidating vaccine hesitancy and the factors exerting influence on vaccine uptake.

Religious and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions

ABSTRACT Vaccination is an effective public health initiative to reduce severe illness and death due to COVID-19. Vaccine uptake in the United States has been uneven, however. One proposed mechanism to improve vaccine uptake is to engage religious groups to provide health information and encourage vaccination. It remains unclear though if Americans with differing racial/ethnic identities and religious affiliations are equally likely to receive health-related information in religious settings and endorse COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed data from the 2020–2021 National Politics Study, which utilized a national research panel of U.S. adults. Using logistic regression and a treatment effects approach, we found that having heard health-related messages in religious settings and endorsing progressive religious ideology were associated with increased COVID-19 and flu vaccine acceptance. This relationship was stronger among White American worship-goers. These findings suggest that partnerships with religious organizations may be important if additional barriers to vaccination are also addressed.

Determinants for COVID-19 vaccination intention in Mexico

This investigation aims to determine the predictors that have the most significant influence over COVID-19 vaccination intention for the population of 18 years or above in Mexico. This will be done through a comprehensive theoretical model comprising: the theory of planned behaviour, the health belief model, and the model of goal-directed behaviour. An exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was carried out. The structured questionnaire was applied to 1085 adults in the first trimester of 2021 through Google Forms in social media groups. The data analysis was carried out through partial least square structural equation modelling. Positive anticipated emotions, desire, subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioural control were the most significant predictors of intention. The model that combines the theoretical perspectives explains mostly the vaccination intention. The study can be a valuable theoretical perspective for understanding similar behavioural intentions related to health risks. The results are also valuable for public health decision-makers to design strategies that promote vaccination.

College students’ influence on COVID-19 vaccination uptake among seniors in China: a protocol of combined cross-sectional and experimental study

BackgroundCollege students generally have good knowledge about COVID-19 and may facilitate COVID-19 vaccination in family. The purpose of this study is to understand college students’ willingness to persuade their grandparents to initiate COVID-19 vaccination and the effect of their persuasion.MethodsA combined cross-sectional and experimental study will be conducted online. In the cross-sectional study (Phase I), eligible participants are college students who are aged ≥ 16 years and have at least one living grandparent aged ≥ 60 years who has/have not completed the COVID-19 vaccination. Participants self-complete Questionnaire A to collect information on the socio-demographics of themselves and their grandparents, their knowledge about older adults’ COVID-19 vaccination, as well as Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) predictor variables. The primary outcome at Phase I is college students’ willingness to persuade grandparents to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Those who are willing to persuade grandparents and participate in a follow-up survey will be invited to participate in a randomized controlled trial (Phase II). At Phase II, eligible participants are those who have at least one living grandparent aged ≥ 60 years who completed the COVID-19 initial vaccination series but has/have not received a booster dose. At the baseline, participants self-complete Questionnaire B to collect information on individual grandparents’ COVID-19 vaccination status, attitude towards and intention to COVID-19 booster dose. Participants will then be randomly allocated 1:1 to either intervention arm (one-week smartphone-based health education on older adults’ COVID-19 vaccination plus two weeks’ waiting period) or control arm (three weeks’ waiting period). At the end of week three, participants in both arms self-complete Questionnaire C to collect information on their grandparents’ COVID-19 vaccination status. The primary outcome at Phase II is the uptake rate of COVID-19 booster dose among grandparents. Secondary outcomes include grandparents’ attitude and intention to get a COVID-19 booster dose.DiscussionNo previous study had measured the effect of college students’ persuasion on COVID-19 vaccination uptake in older adults. Findings from this study will provide evidence for innovative and potentially feasible interventions that further promote COVID-19 vaccination in older adults.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200063240. Registered 2 September 2022.

Factors influencing Australian nursing and midwifery students COVID-19 vaccination intentions

BackgroundVaccination for COVID-19 has become a cornerstone management plan for many countries. Australian state governments made vaccinations mandatory for all healthcare workers. Despite evidence on the important role vaccines hold in preventing or decreasing serious disease, there have been many nurses and midwives who have demonstrated vaccine hesitancy. This hesitancy has also been present in undergraduate nursing and midwifery students. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing Australian nursing and midwifery students' intentions towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine; identify the barriers and facilitators to obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine; and understand students' perceptions of mandating the COVID-19 vaccine and identify any impact on their studies.. MethodsCross-sectional mixed method study utilising an online survey platform. Data were analysed using binomial and multinomial logistic regression through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A content analysis was completed for the qualitative data. ResultsThere were 715 participants and 556 who completed the survey in full. Nurses made up the majority of participants (n = 409), 133 participants were midwives and 30 were in dual nursing/midwifery programs. Education and communication were identified as two major factors that facilitate vaccine acceptance. ConclusionsVaccines are integral in the prevention of contracting COVID-19 or reducing the severity of the symptoms. However, many nursing and midwifery students have shown reluctance towards getting vaccinated. The mandate to be vaccinated to attend clinical placement has led to the inability of some students to complete their course. The findings from this study are valuable in informing the future COVID-19 vaccination strategies and improving vaccine acceptance. COVID-19 remains a global health risk and therefore further research is needed of vaccine acceptance amongst the future health workforces. It is crucial knowledge for policy makers and healthcare services as they plan for any future pandemics and implement Australia's national vaccine strategy.

Let's talk about COVID-19 vaccination: Relevance of conversations about COVID-19 vaccination and information sources on vaccination intention in Switzerland

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is known to be more pronounced among young people. However, there are a lack of studies examining determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention in the general population in this young age-group in Switzerland, and in particular, studies investigating the influence of information sources and social networks on vaccination intention are missing. MethodsThe cross-sectional study “COVIDisc – Discussion with young people about the corona pandemic” provided the opportunity to investigate COVID-19 vaccination intention in 893 individuals aged 15–34 years from the cantons of Zurich, Thurgau, and Ticino in Switzerland. An online survey was administered between 10 November 2020 and 5 January 2021. Associations of public information sources and conversations about COVID-19 with COVID-19 vaccination intention were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis using generalized structural equation modeling. Results51.5% of the participants intended or probably intended to get vaccinated once the vaccine would be available. Using print or online news (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09–2.07) as an information source and having conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.52–2.87) increased participants' COVID-19 vaccination intention. The effects of female gender (b = −0.267, p = 0.039) and risk perception (b = 0.163, p = 0.028) were partially mediated by having conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine. The effects of age (b = −0.036, p = 0.016), secondary educational level (b = 0.541, p = 0.010) and tertiary educational level (b = 0.726, p = 0.006) were fully mediated via having conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine. ConclusionsConversations and campaigns should start even before vaccines become available. Our data support interventions for young women and less educated people using social norms and supporting information seeking with news. Trust and risk perceptions are essential foundations for vaccine intentions.