Messaging to Reduce Booster Hesitancy among the Fully Vaccinated

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Vaccine hesitancy, including for COVID-19 boosters, is a significant public health challenge in the US.
• Declining public trust in science exacerbates hesitancy towards vaccines and boosters.
• mRNA booster uptake is notably lower than initial vaccination rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of scientific explanations on mRNA booster hesitancy.
• To assess whether explaining booster safety or effectiveness influences willingness to get boosted.
• To examine the effect of these explanations on trust in science and vaccine technology.

Main Methods:

• An experiment was conducted with US residents who completed initial mRNA vaccination but not the booster.
• Participants were randomly assigned to read explanations about booster safety, effectiveness, or a control condition.
• Surveys measured perceptions of safety, effectiveness, willingness to get boosted, emotions, attitudes, and trust.

Main Results:

• Scientific explanations significantly increased perceived safety, effectiveness, and willingness to get boosted compared to the control.
• Explanations positively impacted emotions and attitudes toward mRNA boosters.
• Trust in scientists and vaccine technology improved, with conservatives showing a greater increase in willingness.

Conclusions:

• Targeted scientific explanations can effectively combat mRNA booster hesitancy.
• Improving trust in scientists and vaccine technology is crucial for public health interventions.
• Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires tailored communication strategies across diverse political groups.