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. 2021 May:94:41-50.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.008. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the UK household longitudinal study

Elaine Robertson  1 , Kelly S Reeve  2 , Claire L Niedzwiedz  3 , Jamie Moore  2 , Margaret Blake  4 , Michael Green  1 , Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi  5 , Michaela J Benzeval  2
Affiliations

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the UK household longitudinal study

Elaine Robertson et al. Brain Behav Immun. 2021 May.

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy could undermine efforts to control COVID-19. We investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the UK and identified vaccine hesitant subgroups. The 'Understanding Society' COVID-19 survey asked participants (n = 12,035) their likelihood of vaccine uptake and reason for hesitancy. Cross-sectional analysis assessed vaccine hesitancy prevalence and logistic regression calculated odds ratios. Overall vaccine hesitancy was low (18% unlikely/very unlikely). Vaccine hesitancy was higher in women (21.0% vs 14.7%), younger age groups (26.5% in 16-24 year olds vs 4.5% in 75 + ) and those with lower education levels (18.6% no qualifications vs 13.2% degree qualified). Vaccine hesitancy was high in Black (71.8%) and Pakistani/Bangladeshi (42.3%) ethnic groups. Odds ratios for vaccine hesitancy were 13.42 (95% CI:6.86, 26.24) in Black and 2.54 (95% CI:1.19, 5.44) in Pakistani/Bangladeshi groups (compared to White British/Irish) and 3.54 (95% CI:2.06, 6.09) for people with no qualifications versus degree. Urgent action to address hesitancy is needed for some but not all ethnic minority groups.

Keywords: COVID-19; Ethnicity; Inequalities; Socioeconomic position; Vaccine hesitancy; Vaccine uptake.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Selection of analytical sample.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proportions of vaccine hesitancy and willingness to be vaccinated (weighted proportions with 95% CI).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proportions of vaccine hesitancy and willingness to be vaccinated (weighted proportions with 95% CI).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reasons for vaccine hesitancy, willingness to take vaccines and factors that would persuade people to take a vaccine (weighted proportions with 95% CI bars).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reasons for vaccine hesitancy, willingness to take vaccines and factors that would persuade people to take a vaccine (weighted proportions with 95% CI bars).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reasons for vaccine hesitancy, willingness to take vaccines and factors that would persuade people to take a vaccine (weighted proportions with 95% CI bars).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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