Intention to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose in a University Community in Italy

This cross-sectional study, conducted in Naples (Italy) between 16 November and 6 December 2021, explored the willingness to receive the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among a random sample selected from the list of those who had completed a primary vaccination series at the immunization center of a teaching hospital in Naples and the associated factors. Females had a significantly higher perceived risk of getting the SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas those not-having a cohabitant were less worried. 85.7% were willing to receive the booster dose. Those older respondents who perceived a better health status after the primary vaccination series, who have friends/family members who were diagnosed with COVID-19, who had received information from official government organizations, and those who did not need information would be willing to get the booster dose. 24.7% was hesitant with a Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) score >= 25. Respondents who self-rated a lower health status after the primary vaccination series, who did not have friends/family members who were diagnosed with COVID-19, who had not received information from official government organizations, and who needed information were hesitant. Information and communication regarding the benefits and efficacy of the booster dose are needed in order to control the pandemic.

Automated summary

This study investigated the willingness to receive the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among individuals who had completed the primary vaccination series in a hospital in Naples, Italy. The results showed that the majority of respondents were willing to receive the booster dose. Females and individuals without a cohabitant had a higher perceived risk of infection. Older respondents, those who perceived improved health status after the primary vaccination, those with friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19, those who received information from official government organizations, and those who did not need additional information were more willing to get the booster dose. However, a minority of respondents hesitated to receive the booster dose, especially those who reported a lower health status after the primary vaccination, those without friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19, those who did not receive information from official government organizations, and those who needed additional information. Information and communication regarding the benefits and efficacy of the booster dose are important to control the pandemic.