Vaccine hesitancy among college students and individuals seeking healthcare: A social norms perspective.

OBJECTIVE

Health behavior research suggests that perceived social norms impact health decisions. This study aimed to (a) examine reasons for vaccine hesitancy among a sample of college students compared to a clinical sample (b) examine the accuracy of perceptions of others' receptivity and intention to seek out the COVID-19 vaccine, and (c) determine whether greater self-other normative discrepancies (SODs) were associated with increased likelihood to seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 227 students at a Northeastern private college and 140 patients seeking medical care.

METHODS

College students completed an online, anonymous survey. Patients completed a paper-and-pencil survey distributed at appointment check-in.

RESULTS

Compared to their perceptions of others, participants had more positive beliefs about vaccines. The most common reason prompting individuals to seek out the vaccine was to return to "normal life."

CONCLUSIONS

Future research might examine use of social norms interventions to decrease vaccine hesitancy.