Causes of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitations and Investigation of Effective Factors in Changing Vaccine Decision Positively

Abstract

Aim: In recent years, the increasing anti-vaccination with the effect of social media has a negative effect on the mass vaccination campaign, which is the most important step of the pandemic struggle. In our study, it was aimed to determine the rate of those who declared that they would not have COVID-19 vaccine, to determine the reasons for not being vaccinated, to reveal the factors affecting this in individuals who changed their decision positively, and thus to contribute to the efforts to reduce vaccine opposition in the future. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in two stages with a digital questionnaire method on healthcare workers who were included in the first vaccination program. The first stage was carried out 3 days before vaccination and the second stage 1 month after vaccination. Results: 223 healthcare workers were included in the study. The rate of those who said 'I will be vaccinated' in the first survey was 57%. In the second survey, 34 participants who declared that they would not be vaccinated were vaccinated by changing their decision. The most influential factors in the decision not to vaccinate were "I do not think there is sufficient evidence about the vaccine" and "I fear the side effects of the vaccine". The most effective factors for those who positively changed their decision were determined as the influence of the environment and the perception that it was safe. The fear of COVID-19 and the belief that the vaccine will work were found effective in the positive decision to be vaccinated. Conclusion: As a result, it has been concluded that informing activities about the reliability, effectiveness and low side effect rates of vaccines are important in eliminating vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccination rates.