The UPTAKE study: a cross-sectional survey examining the insights and beliefs of the UK population on COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy

Abstract

ObjectiveA key challenge towards a successful COVID-19 vaccine uptake is vaccine hesitancy. We examine and provide novel insights on the key drivers and barriers towards COVID-19 vaccine uptake.DesignThis study involved an anonymous cross-sectional online survey circulated across the UK in September 2020. The survey was designed to include several sections to collect demographic data and responses on (1) extent of agreement regarding various statements about COVID-19 and vaccinations, (2) previous vaccination habits (eg, if they had previously declined vaccination) and (3) interest in participation in vaccine trials. Multinominal logistic models examined demographic factors that may impact vaccine uptake. We used principle component analysis and text mining to explore perception related to vaccine uptake.SettingThe survey was circulated through various media, including posts on social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram), national radio, news articles, Clinical Research Network website and newsletter, and through 150 West Midlands general practices via a text messaging service.ParticipantsThere were a total of 4884 respondents of which 9.44% were black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) group. The majority were women (n=3416, 69.9%) and of white ethnicity (n=4127, 84.5%).ResultsRegarding respondents, overall, 3873 (79.3%) were interested in taking approved COVID-19 vaccines, while 677 (13.9%) were unsure, and 334 (6.8%) would not take a vaccine. Participants aged over 70 years old (OR=4.63) and the BAME community (OR=5.48) were more likely to take an approved vaccine. Smokers (OR=0.45) and respondents with no known illness (OR=0.70) were less likely to accept approved vaccines. The study identified 16 key reasons for not accepting approved vaccines, the most common (60%) being the possibility of the COVID-19 vaccine having side effects.ConclusionsThis study provides an insight into focusing on specific populations to reduce vaccine hesitancy. This proves crucial in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implications for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A systematic review

“…Most (97%) of the studies included in our review employed a web-based recruitment method for data collection [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] , [78] , [79] , [80] , [81] , [82] , [83] , [84] , [85] , [86] . Only one study used a face-to-face data collection method, and one used both face-to-face and web-based data collection methods [87] .…”

“…For both time periods, 17 studies that compared women vs. men reported that men were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine [41] , [43] , [46] , [47] , [52] , [56] , [61] , [62] , [65] , [72] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [81] , [83] , [85] , [88] ; however, in four studies, women were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine [39] , [75] , [86] , [93] . Older age was associated with increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake compared to younger age [35] , [38] , [50] , [52] , [53] , [57] , [64] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [85] , [86] , [90] , [92] , [95] , [100] , and this result was stable across the time periods, with six studies reporting higher uptake in younger age groups [39] , [43] , [47] , [62] , [65] , [94] . Across both periods, 18 studies found that education levels correlated positively with COVID-19 vaccine uptake [35] , [46] , [49] , [52] , [53] , [57] , [59] , [60] , [63] , [67] , [68] , [74] , [76] , [85] , [88] , [90] , …”

Communities with an anchor institution have higher coronavirus vaccination rates

“…Our models also included variables for smoking prevalence and adult obesity, drawn from the 2021 CHRR data 29 . Studies have shown that smoking and obesity are associated with vaccination rates, though findings have been inconsistent 41–43 . Smoking prevalence was defined as the percentage of adults in the county who reported currently smoking, and adult obesity was the percentage of adults in the county who reported having a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 .…”

A lesson from MMR: is choice of vaccine the missing link in promoting vaccine confidence through informed consent?

“…Whilst this could suggest that choice inadvertently impedes vaccine uptake, it is pertinent to note that, in the US, political views can strongly influence vaccine uptake as according to Albercht (2022) Trump supporters are far less likely to be accepting of vaccination. In the UK, where the political scene is different and there's greater emphasis on healthcare solidarity, the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy stems from concern over vaccine side effects (60%; Sethi et al, 2021). Therefore, direct comparisons between the US and UK political and healthcare landscapes cannot easily be drawn.…”