Does the Integration of Migrants in the Host Society Raise COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance? Evidence From a Nationwide Survey in Japan.

ABSTRACT

Research indicates that integration contributes to maintaining health among migrants, yet little is known about the association between integration and vaccination acceptance. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccine intention and acceptance, and the association between integration and vaccine hesitancy among migrants in Japan. We conducted an internet survey among migrants in Japan from October 5 to October 14, 2021. Among 1,455 participants, 11.6% reported hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination. We found that the overall integration and social integration were associated with the vaccination intention. Some commonly identified barriers (e.g., financial difficulties, language) were not related to COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among migrants in Japan. Highly integrated migrants were less likely to report vaccine hesitancy against COVID-19. To promote COVID-19 acceptance among migrants, customized intervention policies should focus on the migrants with a lower level of integration, especially those with little social connection with the locals.