Using the increasing vaccination model and the moderating roles of chronic medical conditions and education to understand COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Singapore

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination programmes have helped reduce deaths and morbidity from the pandemic and allowed for the resumption of normal life. However, vaccine hesitancy remains an issue even with recurrent surges in COVID-19 cases due to new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Purpose: To elucidate psychosocial factors that contribute to our understanding of vaccine hesitancy. 676 Participants in Singapore took part in an online survey on vaccine hesitancy and uptake between May and June 2021. Data on demographics, perception of the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccine willingness and hesitancy factors were collected. The responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study found that confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines and risk perception of the COVID-19 situation are significantly associated with vaccination intention, while vaccination intention is also significantly associated with reported vaccination status. Additionally, certain chronic medical conditions moderate the relationship between vaccine confidence/risk perception and vaccine intention. This study contributes to our understanding of factors behind vaccination uptake which can help anticipate challenges to future vaccination campaigns for the next pandemic.