Intention to get COVID-19 Vaccine and Trust in the Government: Policy Matters

Abstract

Background: Building trust in the government and intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is as important as developing a safe vaccine to contain the pandemic. Purpose: The study aimed to examine the associations between the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the people’s trust in the government, and compare both concepts based on the subject’s characteristics. Methods: This is a part of a large-scale cross-sectional study that employed a web-based survey conducted in 2021. The study utilized data collected on the main study variables using questionnaires from a convenient sample of 281 Jordanian subjects. Bivariate statistics were employed with .05 as a significance level. Results: Trust in the government scores were significantly different based on gender and marital status. As mistrust in the government increases, subjects tend to accept the vaccine. Female subjects tend to trust the government but have low intention to get vaccinated than male subjects. Married subjects tend to have higher mistrust of the government than single subjects. Subjects who agree with the statement “herd immunity would be beneficial for COVID-19 and this fact is covered up” and "the government restrictions are stronger than is needed" had a higher intention to get vaccinated scores than those who disagree with it. Conclusions: To build and maintain the trust of the public, the government needs to enhance its efforts in publicizing information on the pandemic and employ strategies for improved communication management to the public through social media and mainstream information sources and healthcare providers, especially those who are in the front lines healthcare providers. Policy-makers should employ strategies to improve communication management to the public and rebuild trust in the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longitudinal studies with more representative samples are recommended.