Individual and Social Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake
2021
This article examined the individual, communication and social determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake using national survey data collected before vaccines were available in the U.S. Of note, individuals under the federal poverty level and racial and ethnic minorities were oversampled. Outcomes included the likelihood of vaccinating self and dependents (e.g., children). Independent variables included perceptions of risk, exposure to different media for COVID-19 news, political party identification, confidence in scientists and social determinants of health.
The results indicated that 68 and 65% of people would get the vaccine for themselves and people in their care, respectively. Risk perceptions (including severity of and susceptibility to COVID-19) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. People who relied on “conservative” news outlets, Republicans, and those with low confidence in scientists were least likely to vaccinate themselves or their children. Non-Hispanic Blacks and those with the least schooling were also less likely to receive vaccine for themselves or people in their care.
The authors concluded that understanding the impact of race/ethnicity, risk perceptions, exposure to different media for COVID-19 news, party identification, and confidence in scientists on COVID-19 vaccine uptake represents critical information that should be considered in public health communication.
This description was adapted from the publication abstract.
Individual and Social Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake
Source:
Viswanath K, Bekalu M, Dhawan D et al. Individual and Social Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake. BMC Public Health 2021; 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10862-1