Analysis of willingness and influencing factors of vaccination against novel coronavirus among college students in Shanghai

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the willingness and influencing factors with novel coronavirus vaccines(COVID-19 vaccines) among college students in Shanghai. Methods From February 23 to March 15, 2021, a web based questionnaire survey was conducted among students from four colleges to analyze the willingness rate of COVID-19 vaccines. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of the willingness to receive vaccines. Results Of 4 462 subjects, 78.04% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analysis showed that students from the technology university and the vocational school had higher willingness to vaccinate (OR=1.53, 1.50), compared with those from medical college. Respondents did not agree that vaccines are important for protecting health (OR=0.11) and did not agree that all vaccines marketed through National Medical Products Administration are safe (OR=0.42) were less willing to be vaccinated. Those who had no one nearby to vaccinate against COVID-19 were less willing to be vaccinated (OR=0.68). The main reasons for refusing or hesitating to be vaccinated were concerned about the safety(73.88%) and efficacy(55.61%) of the vaccine. Further investigation showed that 37.86%, 48.27% and 35.31% of respondents who had previously chosen not to vaccinate or were unsure about vaccinating against COVID-19 were willing to vaccinate if recommended by the government, doctors, relatives and friends, respectively. Conclusion The willingness rate of COVID-19 vaccination among college students was high in Shanghai. The relevant departments should do a good job in the coordination of vaccination so that the vaccination work can be carried out effectively.