Factors Which Contributed to COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the USA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic took the lives of millions worldwide. To help control the infection spread, COVID-19 vaccines were created. However, many were reluctant to receive these vaccinations. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors that influenced someone in the United States of America (USA) to get vaccinated. Towards this end, we evaluated data collected from April to July of 2021 (3-4 months after the vaccine’s deployment) as part of the publicly available US Census’s Household Pulse Survey. In comparison to other state-to-state research, our study intends to give an outlook on the USA as a whole. Statistical analysis was used to compare the odds ratios (ORs) describing associations between the vaccination status and the various factors, and the associated 95% confidence intervals. Findings indicated that those who received the COVID-19 vaccination were more likely to be non-Hispanic, male, and those who had higher levels of formal education, had children not enrolled in a public school, and had higher household income. Also, we evaluated the association between vaccination status and working in the white (healthcare and social services), pink (education), or blue (such as, agriculture, manufacturing, and public transit) collar essential job sectors. The results showed that participants employed in the blue collar sectors were less likely to get the vaccine compared to those in pink and white. Overall, the findings of this study will help determine which demographics of people are less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to possibly help more effectively target vaccinations in the future.