Exploring vaccine hesitancy determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic: An in-depth interview study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenge of vaccine hesitancy despite scientific advancements.
• Previous research on vaccine hesitancy relied heavily on survey data, limiting deeper understanding.
• Efforts to achieve herd immunity through vaccination continue, facing persistent public apprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the in-depth reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
• To identify factors that motivated hesitant individuals to get vaccinated.
• To understand how vaccine-hesitant individuals accessed information about vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research utilizing in-depth interviews.
• Exploration of personal experiences and decision-making processes.
• Analysis of information sources influencing vaccine attitudes.

Main Results:

• Key drivers of vaccine hesitancy identified: social pressure against vaccination and distrust in the healthcare system.
• Motivations for vaccination among hesitant individuals included seeking information, desiring a return to normalcy, and experiencing societal pressure.
• Information sources varied, encompassing traditional media (TV), digital/social media, and interpersonal networks (family, friends, colleagues).

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue influenced by social, systemic, and informational factors.
• Public health messaging strategies must address distrust and social dynamics.
• Understanding diverse information pathways is crucial for effective public health communication regarding vaccines.