Psychosocial Factors Influencing Vaccine Hesitancy: A Study in the Context of COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need to comprehend vaccine hesitancy, a multifaceted issue with substantial repercussions for the success of vaccination campaigns. This study delves into vaccine hesitancy within a cohort of 560 individuals. Within this group, 157 individuals (28%) opted to receive the Pfizer vaccine, while the remaining 403 (72%) expressed hesitancy towards vaccination. Hesitant individuals were further classified into five distinct categories: 210 harbored concerns about potential vaccine side effects, 172 were influenced by misinformation and disinformation, and 21 exhibited a historical mistrust of vaccines. Notably, our survey did not unearth any instances of vaccine hesitancy stemming from political polarization or access barriers. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of biological markers in the 157 vaccinated individuals to evaluate vaccine side effects. This analysis unveiled significant variations in blood test parameters, such as D-Dimer, CRP, and WBC levels, between the first week and three weeks following vaccination (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). To sum it up, our results indicate that the vaccination process is a standard and medically valid procedure. Nevertheless, several factors play a role in individuals' vaccine hesitancy. It is imperative for both the government and healthcare systems to provide accurate information to the public about the significance of vaccination. Recognizing and tackling these factors are essential for successful vaccination initiatives and, in the end, attaining widespread immunity.