Do Side Effects to the Primary COVID-19 Vaccine Reduce Intentions for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?

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 aim of this research was to test whether side effects of a primary COVID-19 vaccine relate to reduced intentions to receive a COVID-19 booster. The secondary aim was to test whether psychological and demographic factors predict booster intentions. Methods Secondary data analyses were conducted on a U.S. national sample of 551 individuals recruited through the online platform Prolific. Key measures in the dataset 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 of a primary COVID-19 vaccine were not directly associated with lower intentions to receive a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine early in the pandemic. However, many variables that predict primary vaccination intentions also predict booster intentions.

Drivers of the Intention to Receive a COVID-19 Booster Vaccine: Insights from the UK and Australia

“…Consistent with the results of the present study, positive vaccine perceptions and concern regarding the virus have repeatedly been found to predict the intention to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination [ 23 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ] as well as the booster vaccine [ 21 , 37 , 38 ]. These findings are reflected in systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the COVID-19 [ 17 , 32 , 39 ], influenza [ 40 ], and MMR [ 41 ] vaccination, demonstrating that psychological perceptions of this kind are key variables pertaining to vaccination intentions more broadly [ 12 ].…”

“…If so, these perceptions may be easier to modulate given their generality across individuals. As most studies combined side effects across primary course doses [ 21 , 70 , 71 ], it is difficult to draw inference regarding the apparent recency effect observed in the present samples. However, such results appear not to be driven by an overall increase in the severity of side effects associated with the second dose as severity numerically decreased in both samples.…”

“…Finally, the severity of side effects experienced to the most recent COVID-19 vaccine predicted a decreased intention to receive a booster vaccine in both samples. While one study reported limited association between side effects and booster intentions [ 21 ], several others have demonstrated a significant negative association [ 69 , 70 , 71 ]. One methodological difference is that the former enquired about specific instances of side effects, while the latter, like the present study, measured average side effect perceptions.…”

“…The average severity of the side effects experienced after the first and second dose of the primary vaccine course were recorded as separate variables on a 100-point VAS (anchors: ‘mild’ , ‘moderate’ , ‘severe’ ). The following descriptions accompanied the item to guide responses, as have been implemented elsewhere [ 21 , 22 ]: ‘mild’ (caused you mild distress or discomfort, but no impairment in daily functioning); ‘moderate’ (caused moderate distress or discomfort or at least some impairment in daily functioning); ‘severe’ (caused you severe distress and discomfort, severe impairment in daily functioning, or acute danger to health). Experience of adverse events was expected to reduce intention.…”

Psychological factors associated with reporting side effects following COVID-19 vaccination: a prospective cohort study (CoVAccS – wave 3)

“…This is supported by other research finding that experiencing side effects from the initial course of the COVID-19 vaccine (two doses) did not affect intention to receive a booster dose. 33 Few people reported receiving a Moderna vaccine and so confidence intervals are wider for these analyses, and no hypothesis tests were performed in respect of comparisons between the three vaccines in view of the disparity in the size of these subgroups. Our question measuring previous SARS-CoV-2 infection asked whether participants had previously had, or currently had, COVID-19.…”