COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Reasons for Vaccine Refusal
Findings suggest that building trust in health authorities, promoting vaccine confidence, and countering misinformation may be fundamental for better preparedness and response to future pandemics.
Abstract
Key Points Question What were the reasons for COVID-19 vaccine refusal in Hong Kong, and what policy measures may be associated with higher vaccine uptake? Findings This cohort study used data from 28 007 interviews over 20 waves, including 1114 participants in the latest wave in 2022, found that 75.0% of vaccine refusal could be attributable to mistrust in health authorities, low vaccine confidence, misconceptions, and political views. The vaccine pass policy was associated with an increase in vaccination appointments. Meaning These findings suggest that building trust in health authorities, promoting vaccine confidence, and countering misinformation may be fundamental for better preparedness and response to future pandemics.