Factors indicating intention to vaccinate with a COVID-19 vaccine among older U.S. adults

Janeta Nikolovski, Martin Koldijk, Gerrit Jan Weverling, John Spertus, Mintu Turakhia, Leslie Saxon, Mike Gibson, John Whang, Troy Sarich, Robert Zambon, Nnamdi Ezeanochie, Jennifer Turgiss, Robyn Jones, Jeff Stoddard, Paul Burton, Ann Marie Navar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The success of vaccination efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic will require broad public uptake of immunization and highlights the importance of understanding factors associated with willingness to receive a vaccine. Methods U.S. adults aged 65 and older enrolled in the HeartlineTM clinical study were invited to complete a COVID-19 vaccine assessment through the HeartlineTM mobile application between November 6–20, 2020. Factors associated with willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine were evaluated using an ordered logistic regression as well as a Random Forest classification algorithm. Results Among 9,106 study participants, 81.3% (n = 7402) responded and had available demographic data. The majority (91.3%) reported a willingness to be vaccinated. Factors most strongly associated with vaccine willingness were beliefs about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines in general. Women and Black or African American respondents reported lower willingness to vaccinate. Among those less willing to get vaccinated, 66.2% said that they would talk with their health provider before making a decision. During the study, positive results from the first COVID-19 vaccine outcome study were released; vaccine willingness increased after this report. Conclusions Even among older adults at high-risk for COVID-19 complications who are participating in a longitudinal clinical study, 1 in 11 reported lack of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine in November 2020. Variability in vaccine willingness by gender, race, education, and income suggests the potential for uneven vaccine uptake. Education by health providers directed toward assuaging concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy can help improve vaccine acceptance among those less willing. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04276441.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0251963
JournalPloS one
Volume16
Issue number5 May
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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