​Summary: The goal of this study was to utilize the largest state-health survey to assess the key determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in order to create targeted interventions for the most at-risk groups to ensure equitable outcomes in disease prevention. Authors utilized 2020 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data to evaluate determinants of vaccine hesitancy among young adults. A total of 1203 respondents, representative of 4,027,462 young adults (ages 18-25 years) were included in this study.

Findings: The study’s results note that 24% of participants reported they would not be willing to take the COVID-19 vaccination. Prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was also significantly higher among young adults who were current smokers (including electronic cigarettes), when compared to noncurrent smokers (36% vs. 22%). Further, the highest prevalence was also noted among young adults who identified as African American (51%), had a high school degree or less (34%), those who were overweight or obese (28%), and reported a poor health status (22%).

Current smokers, as compared to noncurrent smokers, had more than double the odds of reporting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. African American young adults or young adults with a high school degree or less were both independently associated with at least a three-fold increase in vaccine hesitancy.

Participants with psychological distress, however, were more likely to be accepting of the vaccine. Public health efforts to improve vaccine compliance need targeted efforts, including building trust in the health care system for African Americans and promoting easier access and knowledge of vaccines among those with a high school degree or less, as well as young adults who are currently smoking, with such efforts targeting behavioral interventions focused on risk aversion.
 

Read the Publication:

• Journal Article: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Behavioral Risk Takers