April 4-6, 2024 • Hyatt Regency • Lexington, KY
Innovations in Health Communication
Innovations in Health Communication
Abstract: Predicting COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Confidence and Uptake in the U.S.
This study investigates and compares the predictors of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination confidence and uptake in the U.S. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as the reluctance or refusal (i.e., less than 100% behavioral intention) to vaccinate despite the availability of effective and safe vaccines. Predictors of vaccination intention are identified within the reasoned action approach (Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010) and the integrated behavioral model (IBM, Montaño & Kasprzyk, 2015). Data from two national samples (N=1,131 for COVID-19 and N=1,126 for influenza) were collected from U.S. Qualtrics panels. Tobit regression models were estimated to predict percentage increases in vaccination intention (i.e., confidence) and the probability of vaccination uptake (i.e., intention reaching 100%). Results provided evidence for the reasoned approach and the IBM model and showed that the predictors were in different patterns for COVID-19 and influenza. Implications for intervention strategies and message designs were discussed.