Factors related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Denmark: A national study in the autumn of 2021

Abstract

Aims: The novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic and fast-developed vaccines may increase concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and thereby influence vaccine hesitancy. The aims of this study were to examine (a) the main reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and (b) factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted in the autumn of 2021 when most Danes had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The sample ( N=13,570) was based on a random selection of individuals (⩾15 years), and data were collected via self-administered mailed questionnaires (digital and physical). The participants were asked whether they had been vaccinated against COVID-19, and if they had not, they were asked about their reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Results: In all, 5,384 (39.7%) individuals completed the questionnaire. The main reasons for vaccine hesitancy were worries about adverse effects (57.6%) and the belief that natural immunity is better than vaccination (43.8%). Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included female sex, younger age, being divorced, a country of origin other than Denmark, lower educational level, being unemployed, previously infected with COVID-19 and being worried to a greater extent about oneself and others getting infected. Mental health indicators were not associated with vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is likely to pose a challenge for population immunity. To reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination uptake, future vaccination programmes should focus on specific socio-demographic subgroups identified in this study.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Unvaccinated Adults: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Analysis of Vaccination Intentions in Italy Related to Fear of Infection

“…According to our findings, women who are hesitant are more likely to be between 40 and 59 years old. Previous European studies do not support this result, since they showed that younger women were more sceptical about the COVID-19 vaccine [14]. These studies also suggested that fake news widely shared on social media played a negative role in highlighting the possible dangers of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding [15].…”