Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among French population aged 65 years and older: results from a national online survey

Abstract

Background In France, the increase in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older adults slowed down between May and June 2021. Using the data from a national survey, we aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake among French residents aged 65 years and older, particularly at risk of severe form of the infection, and identify factors associated with non-vaccination. Methods A cross-sectional online survey collected the immunization status/intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine, reasons for vaccination/non-vaccination and factors potentially associated with vaccine uptake between May 10 and 23, 2021 among a large sample of French residents. Characteristics of participants were compared according to immunization status. Factors potentially associated with non-vaccination were computed into a multivariate logistic regression. Results Among the 1941 survey participants, 1612 (83%) reported having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Among the 329 unvaccinated, 197 (60%) declared having the intention to get vaccinated. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.14), thinking previously having COVID-19 (aOR = 4.01; 95% CI, 2.17–7.40), having suffered economic impact due to the pandemic (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.71–4.04), reporting an “unsafe” opinion about COVID-19 vaccine safety (aOR = 6.79; 95% CI, 4.50–10.26), reporting an “unsupportive” opinion about vaccination in general (aOR = 4.24; 95% CI, 2.77–6.49) were independent risk factors for non-vaccination. On the other hand, trust in COVID-19 vaccine information delivered by the doctor (aOR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16–0.48) and trust in the government’s actions (aOR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34–0.74) were independent protective factors for non-vaccination. Political affiliation also remained significantly associated with vaccine uptake. Conclusions Despite high overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the study participants, differences in vaccine uptake according to the level of concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety, socioeconomic profile and trust in the government were observed. Our results reinforce the importance of “reaching out” vaccination strategy that specifically targets the most vulnerable fringe of older adult population.

Investigating the Reasons for Receiving the Second Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults and in People with Chronic Medical Conditions in Southern Italy

“…A possible explanation for indicating the protection as the main reason is the extensive and persistent diffusion of SARS-CoV-2 infection that may have contributed to the awareness among the sample with a consequent high sense of urgency regarding this vaccination. Earlier studies in different geographic areas showed comparable results [8,[18][19][20]. Furthermore, only 22.6% of the respondents indicated that they were advised by a physician to get this booster dose.…”

Prevalence, Clinical Profile and Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infection in Douala, Cameroon

“…This study has several limitations. Firstly, other potential drivers of COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake such as interpersonal, anthropological and social factors were not investigated in the present study 27,28,56 and this constitutes a main limitation of the study. Secondly, information on molecular typing of SARS-CoV-2 lineage found in fully vaccinated patients is lacking and this might have introduced interpretation bias.…”

“…The COVID-19 vaccination uptake was relatively low in the study, which is lower than that reported previously in Cameroon 24,25 and a global estimate of COVID-19 vaccination uptake rate reported by Zhang and colleagues 15 . Other studies reported higher vaccine uptake in specific groups such as elderly persons, college students and transborder populations [26][27][28] . Several factors drive the intention to accept, delay and abstain from vaccination and these include trust in vaccine approval, the perceived effectiveness of the vaccine for protecting others and conspiracy beliefs 29,30 .…”

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 passes and mandates on disease transmission, vaccination intention, and uptake: A scoping review

“…Vaccine hesitancy in the older age group was commonly reported in different settings [21,66,67]. Despite this hesitancy, COVID-19 vaccination uptake was still high among the elderly population, especially nursing home residents or elderly people who are familiar with new technologies (e.g., online vaccination appointments, QR code for COVID-19 pass) [68].…”