When politics collides with public health: COVID-19 vaccine country of origin and vaccination acceptance in Brazil

This study examines the effect of the country of origin of the vaccine on vaccination acceptance against COVID-19. More specifically, we show how the political context in Brazil has affected acceptance of vaccines produced in China, Russia, the US, and England at the University of Oxford. Our data come from a survey experiment applied to a national sample of 2771 adult Brazilians between September 23 and October 2, 2020. We find greater rejection among Brazilians for vaccines developed in China and Russia, as compared to vaccines from the US or England. We also find that rejection of the Chinese-developed vaccine is particularly strong among those who support President Jair Bolsonaro-a COVID-19 denier and strong critic of China and vaccination, in general. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study shows that Brazilians have a greater rejection towards vaccines developed in China and Russia compared to those from the US or England. Additionally, rejection of the Chinese-developed vaccine is particularly strong among those who support President Jair Bolsonaro.