COVID-19 Vaccination in China: Adverse Effects and Its Impact on Health Care Working Decisions on Booster Dose

Abstract

Although many research studies have concentrated on people’s willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine, little attention has been paid to the underlying mechanism of consent. An understanding of potential factors and mechanisms that affect the willingness to receive a vaccination can contribute information critical for containing the pandemic. This study explored the effects of post-vaccination adverse reactions on the willingness to take the booster dose and the role of decision regret. A self-administered online survey was carried out in Taizhou, China. Questionnaires were completed by 1085 healthcare workers (HCWs), 1054 (97.1%) of whom had completed two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mediation analysis methodology was applied in this study. Our study showed that post-vaccination adverse reactions in HCWs could decrease their willingness to take the booster dose. Of note, HCWs who experienced adverse reactions after vaccination would be more likely to regret their previous vaccination decisions, which, in turn, further reduced their willingness to receive a booster shot. Decision regret mediated the relationship between adverse post-vaccination reactions and a willingness to take the booster dose. The findings implied inextricable relationships among post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and willingness to take the booster dose. It is suggested that notice of these post-vaccination adverse reactions should be further incorporated into vaccine communication campaigns and policy interventions advocating booster doses to improve vaccine uptake intent and increase the willingness to receive booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Uptake of COVID-19 booster shot among healthcare workers: A mediation analysis approach

“…People sometimes have to make unpleasant decisions regarding their health, and they might come to regret their actions in the future. One of the potential variables most commonly indicated to be connected to regretting decisions, according to the study, is a negative bodily health outcome ( 32 , 34 ). In the present research, we thus sought to investigate the relationships between post-vaccination adverse effects, decision regret, and readiness to receive the COVID-19 booster dosage.…”

“I'm luckier than everybody else!”: Optimistic bias, COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, vaccination status, and the link with the time spent online, anticipated regret, and the perceived threat

“…At the same time, other studies suggested a significant positive relationship between frequent exposure to social media content, interpersonal discussions, and vaccination intentions ( 46 , 47 ). In addition, the excessive use of content on social networks was positively associated with a positive change in prevention behaviors and with obtaining the emotional, social, and informational support people need in this delicate period ( 46 , 48 ).…”

“…Next, previous studies suggested that anticipated vaccination regret negatively predicted vaccine reluctance ( 32 , 53 ), and non-vaccination regret positively predicted COVID-19 vaccine acceptance ( 51 , 52 ). Also, exposure to negative information about frequent social network use was associated with a lower vaccination rate ( 39 , 44 ), though the findings in this area are mixed ( 46 , 47 ).…”

“…In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Luo et al ( 47 ) observed that respondents with higher post-decisional regret scores were less willing to receive the booster dose. The results of this study indicate that regret over previous decisions could significantly mediate the impact of post-vaccination adverse reactions on willingness to take the booster dose.…”

Post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and willingness to pay for the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers: A mediation analysis

“…The main contents of the questionnaire were based on the previous research and included the following four parts. 39 First, basic demographic information, including age, sex, education, occupation, professional title, and underlying diseases. Second, vaccination history, such as the COVID-19 vaccination status and post-vaccination adverse reactions.…”