Geers, A., Clemens, K., Colagiuri, B. et al. (6 more authors) (2022) Do side effects to the primary COVID-19 vaccine reduce intentions for a COVID-19 vaccine booster? Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 56 (8). pp. 761-768. ISSN 0883-6612
Abstract
Background
Vaccines are being administered worldwide to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine boosters are essential for maintaining immunity and protecting against virus variants. The side effects of the primary COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., headache, nausea), however, could reduce intentions to repeat the vaccination experience, thereby hindering global inoculation efforts.
Purpose
The main aim of this research was to test whether side effects to a primary COVID19 vaccine relate to reduced intentions to receive a COVID-19 booster. The second aim was to explore psychological and demographic predictors of booster intentions.
Methods Secondary data analyses were conducted on a US national sample of 551 individuals recruited through the online platform Prolific. Key measures in the data set were side effects reported from a primary COVID-19 vaccination and subsequent intentions to receive a booster vaccine. Psychological and demographic variables that predicted primary vaccination intentions in prior studies were also measured.
Results
Booster intentions were high. COVID-19 booster vaccine intentions were uncorrelated with the number of side effects, intensity of side effects, or occurrence of an intense side effect from the primary COVID-19 vaccine. Correlational and regression analyses indicated intentions for a booster vaccination increased with positive vaccination attitudes, trust in vaccine development, worry about the COVID-19 pandemic, low concern over vaccine side effects, and Democratic political party affiliation.
Conclusions
Side effects to a primary COVID-19 vaccine were not directly associated with lower intentions to receive a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, many variables that predict primary vaccination intentions also predict booster intentions.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 Society of Behavioral Medicine. This is an author-produced version of a paper subsequently published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Side effects; reactogenicity; booster; vaccine; intentions; COVID-19 |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > Department of Psychology (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 06 Apr 2022 15:46 |
Last Modified: | 29 May 2023 00:13 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press (OUP) |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/abm/kaac027 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:185352 |