COVID-19 vaccination acceptability in the UK at the start of the vaccination programme: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey (CoVAccS - wave 2)

Public Health. 2022 Jan:202:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.10.008. Epub 2021 Oct 18.

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate factors associated with the intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination following initiation of the UK national vaccination programme.

Study design: An online cross-sectional survey completed by 1500 adults (13th-15th January 2021).

Methods: Linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations between intention to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and sociodemographic factors, previous influenza vaccination, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination in general. Participants' main reasons for likely vaccination (non-)uptake were also solicited.

Results: 73.5% of participants (95% CI 71.2%, 75.7%) reported being likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, 17.3% (95% CI 15.4%, 19.3%) were unsure, and 9.3% (95% CI 7.9%, 10.8%) reported being unlikely to be vaccinated. The full regression model explained 69.8% of the variance in intention. Intention was associated with: having been/intending to be vaccinated for influenza last winter/this winter; stronger beliefs about social acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine; the perceived need for vaccination; adequacy of information about the vaccine; and weaker beliefs that the vaccine is unsafe. Beliefs that only those at serious risk of illness should be vaccinated and that the vaccines are just a means for manufacturers to make money were negatively associated with vaccination intention.

Conclusions: Most participants reported being likely to get the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and beliefs are a crucial factor underpinning vaccine intention. Continued engagement with the public with a focus on the importance and safety of vaccination is recommended.

Keywords: Attitudes; Barriers; Beliefs; Covid-19 vaccines; Hesitancy; Side effects.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines*
  • COVID-19*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sociodemographic Factors
  • United Kingdom
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines