Comparative risk perception of the monkeypox outbreak and the monkeypox vaccine

Based on survey data collected from a nationally representative sample (N = 1,000), this study applies the psychometric paradigm to demonstrate that the American public perceived the monkeypox outbreak as a more dreaded risk than the monkeypox vaccine, but they also viewed the monkeypox vaccine as a more unknown risk. These perceptions influenced their overall risk judgment toward the monkeypox outbreak, support for public health responses and government assistance measures, and likelihood to get vaccinated. Contributing to research on risk perception, these findings indicate that the dread and unknown dimensions offer a more intricate assessment of risk perception beyond perceived susceptibility and perceived severity. Guiding risk communication practice, these results suggest that it is important to highlight to the public that the monkeypox vaccine is a mature technology and getting vaccinated before exposure provides the best protection for high-risk populations.

Automated summary

Based on a national survey of 1,000 respondents, this study reveals that the American public perceives the monkeypox outbreak as a more feared risk compared to the monkeypox vaccine, while they also perceive the vaccine as a more uncertain risk. These perceptions impact the overall risk judgment, support for public health measures, and likelihood of getting vaccinated. The findings contribute to the understanding of risk perception, highlighting the importance of considering dread and unknown dimensions in risk assessment and guiding risk communication practice by emphasizing the effectiveness and importance of the vaccine.