AUTHOR=Veys-Takeuchi Caroline , Gonseth Nusslé Semira , Estoppey Sandrine , Zuppinger Claire , Dupraz Julien , Pasquier Jérôme , Faivre Vincent , Scuderi Renzo , Vassaux Sophie , Bochud Murielle , D’Acremont Valérie 

TITLE=Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy During the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Canton of Vaud, 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.2022.1604987

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2022.1604987

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a major obstacle in the fight against the pandemic. This study aimed to identify the local determinants of vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19 to better inform future immunization campaigns.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> The study, conducted in February 2021, included 1,189 randomly selected inhabitants of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Online questionnaires investigated determinants of the intention to vaccinate. Previously validated scores (Cronbach’s alphas &gt;0.70) were applied to our data for inclusion in the ordinal logistic regression model.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Individuals were more likely to vaccinate if they were 40 years or older, wealthy, reported a high educational attainment, or reported comorbidities. Doubts regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, mistrust in authorities and a propensity for natural immunity were identified as the main local hindrances to the COVID-19 vaccination.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Outreach to people at risk of severe COVID-19 is particularly relevant in the pandemic context to help mitigate vaccine hesitancy in the canton of Vaud, and should take into consideration the level of education. Further investigation is needed to better understand reasons for mistrust in authorities.</p>