AUTHOR=Fadda Marta , Camerini Anne Linda , Fiordelli Maddalena , Corna Laurie , Levati Sara , Amati Rebecca , Piumatti Giovanni , Crivelli Luca , Suggs L. Suzanne , Albanese Emiliano 

TITLE=Why Vaccinate Against COVID-19? A Population-Based Survey in Switzerland

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=67

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604226

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2022.1604226

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> This study examined factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention at the very beginning of the vaccination campaign in a representative sample of the population in southern Switzerland.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> In March 2021, we measured vaccination intention, beliefs, attitudes, and trust in a sample of the Corona Immunitas Ticino study.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Of the 2681 participants, 1933 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 72%; 55% female; mean<sub>age</sub> = 41, SD = 24, range<sub>age</sub> = 5–91). Overall, 68% reported an intention to get vaccinated. Vaccination intention was higher in social/healthcare workers, and increased with age, trust in public health institutions, and confidence in the vaccine efficacy. Prior infection of a family member, predilection for waiting for more evidence on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and for alternative protective means were negatively associated with intention.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> In view of needs of COVID-19 vaccine boosters and of suboptimal vaccination coverage, our results have relevant public health implications and suggest that communication about vaccine safety and efficacy, and aims of vaccination programs, should be bi-directional, proportionate, and tailored to the concerns, expectations, and beliefs of different population subgroups.</p>