What is it about?
This study explored some psychological and social factors behind Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy, focusing on the lesser-known group of hesitant adopters. Hesitant adopters are people who were unsure about the vaccine, but got it anyway. We conducted a mixed-methods survey of 410 adult UK participants, of which 134 were identified as hesitant adopters, who shared their reasons for hesitancy in open-ended responses. The findings showed that men, people with lower education, and those from Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds, those with right-wing authoritarian views and strong belief in conspiracy theories were more likely to be hesitant. The qualitative analysis found that concerns of side-effects (particularly relating to long-term and reproductive health), low perceived risk of Covid-19, conspiracy and religious beliefs, psychological reactance (feeling coerced), lack of clear information and lack of trust in government and medical institutions drive hesitancy. Hesitant adopters differ from vaccine refusers in important ways. Specifically, hesitant adopters acknowledged vaccine benefits, especially in protecting others, which highlights a social responsibility not perceived by vaccine refusers. Vaccine refusers were more likely to be distrustful of information provided by experts and believe in vaccine-related misinformation.
Featured Image
Photo by Guido Hofmann on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Understanding the motivations of hesitant adopters can help in the development of more effective public health campaigns. Public health messaging that emphasises community protection and social responsibility, clear safety data, and personal benefit may resonate more with this group. Interventions should focus on supporting vaccination decision-making, by allowing for conversations and opportunity to address concerns and gradual shifts in attitude, rather than simply trying to persuade.
Perspectives
Whereas my previous work has focused on the role of health beliefs in predicting vaccine hesitancy, this piece of research included a focus on personality and individual difference factors and how these can influence vaccine hesitancy. In exploring the reasons those who were hesitant towards the Covid-19 vaccine but accepted the vaccine anyway, we extend our understanding of this relatively under-explored group. For me, the biggest take-home message is the importance of holding space for discussion, allowing vaccine-related concerns to be heard and addressed, acknowledging that vaccine hesitancy is a dynamic, motivational state. Persuasion can lead to psychological reactance when individuals feel they are being coerced. Rather, interventions should focus on supporting decision-making, and meeting individuals where they are.
Dr Susanna Kola-Palmer
Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The complex landscape of vaccine hesitancy and hesitant adopters: Quantitative predictors and thematic insights into COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, June 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2511350.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
