COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among European older adults: the role of living alone, social isolation and loneliness

Abstract

Objective: Given the significant public health challenge posed by vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have increasingly focused on understanding its underlying determinants. While previous research has paid attention to predisposing, enabling, and need factors the role of psychosocial factors remains less understood. This study examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among older adults in Europe, specifically in relation to living alone, social isolation, and loneliness as distinct factors. Additionally, it considers potential cross-country variations in these effects, in relation to differences in policy stringency.

Methods: Using data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and SHARE Corona Surveys (2020-2021), this study analyses a sample of 36,890 adults aged 50 and above across 28 European countries and Israel. Two-level binomial logistic regression was employed.

Results: Household composition, social isolation and loneliness among older adults related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. More specifically: older adults who (i) lived alone, (ii) were more socially isolated, and (iii) were more lonely, tended to be more hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. These effects did not differ by policy stringency.

Conclusions: This study underscores the relevance of the absence of a partner, social isolation, and loneliness when addressing vaccine hesitancy in older adults. When implementing effective vaccination policies compassionate measures with sufficient attention for psychosocial factors are a necessity. Addressing the psychosocial roots of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is not just key to managing current COVID-19 risks, but a blueprint for a more resilient and inclusive approach to future health crises.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; Europe; Living alone; Loneliness; Older adults; SHARE; Social isolation.