Underlying factors that influence the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in a country with a high vaccination rate

ABSTRACT

Control of the COVID-19 pandemic largely depends on the effectiveness of the vaccination. Several factors including vaccine hesitancy can affect the vaccination process. Understanding the factors that underlie the willingness to accept vaccination brings pivotal information to control the pandemic. We analyzed the association between the willingness level to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine determinants amidst the Chilean vaccination process. Individual-level survey data was collected from nationally representative samples of 744 respondents, and multivariate regression models used to estimate the association between outcome and explanatory variables. We found that trust in the COVID-19 vaccine, scientists, and medical professionals increased the willingness to accept the vaccine, a booster dose, annual vaccination, and children vaccination. Our results are critical to understand the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of a country with one of the worlds highest vaccination rates. We provide information for decision-making, policy design and communication of vaccination programs.