COVID-19 Vaccine Literacy, Attitudes, and Vaccination Intention Against COVID-19 Among Thai Older Adults

Unvaccinated older adults with COVID-19 are at higher risk for severe illness and complications compared with those have been vaccinated. Vaccine literacy and attitudes are important factors that enhance healthy behaviors and choices, including vaccination intention.

To explore vaccine literacy, attitudes, and vaccination intention toward COVID-19 among Thai older adults and examine associations between vaccine literacy, attitudes, and vaccination intention.

This study used a cross-sectional online design. We surveyed 408 older adults who met our inclusion criteria. Participants were recruited online via social media and websites. The survey covered demographic data, vaccine literacy, attitudes, and intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination intention among Thai older adults was high (81.3%). Females and those aged 60-69 years had higher COVID-19 vaccine literacy scores than males (t = -2.120, p < 0.05) and those aged ≥70 years (t = 2.438, p < 0.05). Participants with postgraduate education and those who were health professionals scored higher for vaccine literacy than less educated (t = -3.501, p < 0.01) and non-health professional (t = 5.437, p < 0.001) participants. Those with an adequate income or that had been vaccinated against COVID-19 scored significantly higher for vaccine literacy and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine than participants with an inadequate income (t = 4.626, p < 0.001) or that had not been vaccinated (t = 2.842, p < 0.01). Vaccine literacy (r = 0.219, p < 0.001) and attitudes (r = 0.459, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccination intention.

COVID-19 vaccine literacy and attitudes are significant factors related to vaccination intention. Health professionals could play an important role in enhancing vaccine literacy among older adults. Positive attitudes and COVID-19 vaccine literacy may enhance vaccination uptake in older adults.