Public decisions about COVID-19 vaccines: A UK-based qualitative study.
PLoS One
; 18(3): e0277360, 2023.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2286760
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To explore UK public decisions around whether or not to get COVID-19 vaccines, and the facilitators and barriers behind participants' decisions.DESIGN:
This qualitative study consisted of six online focus groups conducted between 15th March and 22nd April 2021. Data were analysed using a framework approach.SETTING:
Focus groups took place via online videoconferencing (Zoom).PARTICIPANTS:
Participants (n = 29) were a diverse group (by ethnicity, age and gender) UK residents aged 18 years and older.RESULTS:
We used the World Health Organization's vaccine hesitancy continuum model to look for, and explore, three main types of decisions related to COVID-19 vaccines vaccine acceptance, vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy (or vaccine delay). Two reasons for vaccine delay were identified delay due to a perceived need for more information and delay until vaccine was "required" in the future. Nine themes were identified three main facilitators (Vaccination as a social norm; Vaccination as a necessity; Trust in science) and six main barriers (Preference for "natural immunity"; Concerns over possible side effects; Perceived lack of information; Distrust in government;; Conspiracy theories; "Covid echo chambers") to vaccine uptake.CONCLUSION:
In order to address vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy, it is useful to understand the reasons behind people's decisions to accept or refuse an offer of a vaccine, and to listen to them and engage with, rather than dismiss, these reasons. Those working in public health or health communication around vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, in and beyond the UK, might benefit from incorporating the facilitators and barriers found in this study.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19 Vaccines
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
PLoS One
Journal subject:
Science
/
Medicine
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Journal.pone.0277360
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