Predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19: Results of a nationwide survey

Background: Public polling indicates that vaccine uptake will be suboptimal when COVID-19 vaccines become available. Formative research seeking an understanding of weak vaccination intentions is urgently needed. Methods: Nationwide online survey of 804 U.S. English-speaking adults. Compensated participants were recruited from the U.S. through an internet survey panel of 2.5 million residents developed by a commercial survey firm. Recruitment was based on quota sampling to produce a U.S. Census-matched sample representative of the nation with regard to region of residence, sex, and age. Results: COVID-19 vaccination intentions were weak, with 14.8% of respondents being unlikely to get vaccinated and another 23.0% unsure. Intent to vaccinate was highest for men, older people, individuals who identified as white and non-Hispanic, the affluent and college-educated, Democrats, those who were married or partnered, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those vaccinated against influenza during the 2019-2020 flu season. In a multiple linear regression, significant predictors of vaccination intent were general vaccine knowledge (beta = 0.311, p < .001), rejection of vaccine conspiracies (beta = -0.117, p = .003), perceived severity of COVID-19 (beta = 0.273, p < .001), influenza vaccine uptake (beta = 0.178, p < .001), having >= 5 pre-existing conditions (beta = 0.098, p = .003), being male (beta = 0.119, p < .001), household income of >= $120,000 (beta = 0.110, p = .004), identifying as a Democrat (beta = 0.075, p < .029), and not relying upon social media for virus information (beta = -0.090, p (002). Intent to vaccinate was lower for Fox News (57.3%) than CNN/MSNBC viewers (76.4%) (chi(2)(1) = 12.68, p < .001). Political party differences in threat appraisals and vaccine conspiracy beliefs are described. Conclusions: Demographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, risk factors for COVID-19, and politics likely contribute to vaccination hesitancy. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The study found that COVID-19 vaccination intentions were low, with some respondents indicating they were unlikely to get vaccinated or unsure. Those most willing to vaccinate included men, older individuals, white non-Hispanic individuals, the affluent, and those with college education. Factors such as vaccine knowledge, perception of COVID-19, and political affiliation likely contribute to vaccination hesitancy.