SHBC1699

K.GRIVA¹, CHAN HF², SOH AMS³, CHEN M³ 

Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine¹, Nanyang Technological University², National Centre for Infectious Diseases³

Widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines is crucial for achieving sufficient immunization coverage to manage the pandemic yet hesitancy and refusal is becoming in problem. Understanding vaccine hesitancy is essential for addressing public concerns, promoting confidence and increasing vaccine uptake. This study  set out to investigate vaccination behaviours/ intentions and the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy (own and children)

An  online survey of SOCRATES Cohort, was undertaken between June-July 2021. A total 1623 participants [60.8% female; M=45.72(14.98) years old] completed measures of COVID risk perception, distress, trust, beliefs about vaccination and vaccine intentions and behaviours (own and children vaccination). Descriptive analyses assessed vaccine hesitancy prevalence and multivariable regressions were used to model predictors.

Overall vaccine hesitancy was low (9.9%, N=162) with most common reasons including concerns about side-effects, and hasty development. The Remaining had already been vaccinated (69%) or intended to (21%). Binary regression models (non-vaccinated only) indicated that household income, living with people in poor health, peer support, moral norm, perceived benefits of vaccination and necessity of vaccination all positively predicted intention to vaccinate (R2 Cox & Snell: 44.3% p<0.001) Higher rates of hesitancy were noted for children’s vaccination(15.9%), with male, non-employed, and low perceptions of risk, trust, benefits of vaccine, moral norm, and high vaccines concerns being significant predictors (R2 = 50.9%; p<0.001).

Programs should capitalise on high level of acceptance. Efforts should be directed towards messages of vaccine efficacy and safety and peer support to mobilise the remaining hesitancy for own and children vaccination.