Predicting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccine uptake: The impact of fear and vasovagal symptoms

Abstract

Vaccines are vital to protecting health. However, fear and experiencing vasovagal symptoms (e.g., dizziness) are deterrents to medical procedures. Thus, study aims were to test (1) if vaccine relevant fears predict vasovagal symptoms during or following seasonal influenza vaccination and (2) if vaccine relevant fears and vasovagal symptoms predict seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Using a prospective design, 1077 participants recruited online completed surveys during Oct 2019 assessing vaccine relevant fears, and May–June 2020 assessing 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake, ratings of vasovagal symptoms, and seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination intention. A behavioral follow up assessing 2020–2021 seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake took place June–July 2021. Heightened vaccine relevant fears predicted reduced 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake and greater vasovagal symptoms among those who did receive a seasonal influenza vaccine. Serial mediation analyses identified significant indirect effects with greater vaccine relevant fears reducing 2020–2021 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake through intention and reducing COVID-19 vaccine uptake through vasovagal symptoms and intention. Intervention research to reduce fear and prevent vasovagal symptoms to support vaccine uptake is warranted.