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Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Young Adults in Zurich, Switzerland, September 2020

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Leos-Toro, Cesar 
Ribeaud, Denis 
Bechtiger, Laura 
Steinhoff, Annekatrin 
Nivette, Amy 

Abstract

Objectives: Young adults are essential to the effective mitigation of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) given their tendency toward greater frequency of social interactions. Little is known about vaccine willingness during pandemics in European populations. This study examined young people’s attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines in Fall 2020. Methods: Data came from an ongoing longitudinal study’s online COVID-19-focused supplement among young adults aged 22 in Zurich, Switzerland (N = 499) in September 2020. Logistic regressions examined young adults’ likelihood of participating in COVID-19 immunization programs. Results: Approximately half of respondents reported being unlikely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Compared to males, females were more likely to oppose COVID-19 vaccination (p < 0.05). In multivariate models, Sri Lankan maternal background and higher socioeconomic status were associated with a greater likelihood of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Respondents were more likely to report a willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when they perceived 1) an effective government response (p < 0.05) and 2) their information sources to be objective (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study communicates aspects important to the development of targeted information campaigns to promote engagement in COVID-19 immunization efforts.

Description

Keywords

Society Journal Archive, vaccine willingness, COVID-19, pandemic health communication, evidence-based health messaging, vaccine acceptance, vaccine hesitancy

Journal Title

International Journal of Public Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1661-8564

Volume Title

66

Publisher

Frontiers Media S.A.