Exploratory study of the global intent to accept COVID-19 vaccinations

BackgroundAs the world begins the rollout of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic exit strategies hinge on widespread acceptance of these vaccines. In this study, we perform a large-scale global exploratory study to examine the levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and explore sociodemographic determinants of acceptance.MethodsBetween October 31, 2020 and December 15, 2020, 26,759 individuals were surveyed across 32 countries via nationally representative survey designs. Bayesian methods are used to estimate COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and explore the sociodemographic determinants of uptake, as well as the link between self-reported health and faith in the government's handling of the pandemic and acceptance.ResultsHere we show that intent to accept a COVID-19 vaccine is low in Lebanon, France, Croatia, and Serbia and there is population-level polarisation in acceptance in Poland and Pakistan. Averaged across all countries, being male, over 65, having a high level of education, and believing that the government is handling the pandemic well are associated with increased stated acceptance, but there are country-specific deviations. A belief that the government is handling the pandemic well in Brazil and the United States is associated with lower vaccination intent. In the United Kingdom, we find that approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020 did not appear to have an impact on the UK's vaccine acceptance, though as rollout has continued into 2021, the UK's uptake exceeds stated intent in large-scale surveys conducted before rollout.ConclusionsIdentifying factors that may modulate uptake of novel COVID-19 vaccines can inform effective immunisation programmes and policies. Differential stated intent to accept vaccines between socio-demographic groups may yield insights into the specific causes of low confidence and may suggest and inform targeted communication policies to boost confidence. Plain language summaryThe aim of this study was to understand what percentage of people would accept a COVID-19 vaccine in various countries across the world, and to understand what groups of people would be more or less likely to accept the vaccine. We analysed the response to surveys about people's intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine performed in 32 countries, and find that intent to accept a COVID-19 vaccine is comparatively low in Lebanon, France, Croatia, and Serbia. We also find that across all countries considered, being male, older, or having a high level of education is associated with increased likelihood to state a willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. By understanding why different groups have differing opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine, we may be able to better understand specific concerns and assist healthcare policymakers to design more effective risk-communication strategies. de Figueiredo et al. perform a global exploratory study to estimate COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and its determinants based on a survey across 32 countries. With some exceptions, they find that factors associated with increased vaccine acceptance are male sex, age over 65, being highly educated, and a belief that their government is handling the pandemic well.

Automated summary

de Figueiredo et al. conducted a global exploratory study to estimate COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and its determinants based on a survey across 32 countries. With some exceptions, they find that factors associated with increased vaccine acceptance are male sex, age over 65, being highly educated, and a belief that their government is handling the pandemic well.