Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among community members in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional online survey.

OBJECTIVE

Vaccination is recognised as the most effective approach to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the long run. However, the global vaccination uptake is still suboptimal. Although a considerable number of studies have focused on factors influencing intention or acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, few explore the factors that affect actual vaccination uptake. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the general public in a developed country.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and August 2021.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Community members in Hong Kong were recruited through convenient and snowball sampling to complete an anonymous online survey.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes of this study included participants' sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status and perceived impact of COVID-19, and their attitudes towards COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 358 valid questionnaires were received. The results showed that 50.8% of the participants received two doses of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that the participants' vaccination uptake was associated with their jobs affected by COVID-19, had an income source, perceived good/excellent physical health status, perceived COVID-19 exposure, perceived good/excellent knowledge of COVID-19, learnt about the vaccine from printed materials and perceived that their family members were at risk of contracting COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first few cross-sectional studies that explored factors associated with the actual vaccination uptake of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results can provide insights for formulating strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in developed countries.