Resistance to COVID-19 vaccination has increased in Ireland and the United Kingdom during the pandemic. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hyland, P.; Vallières, F.; Shevlin, M.; Bentall, R.P.; McKay, R.; Hartman, T.K.; McBride, O.; Murphy, J.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 195(2021)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine -- Vaccine resistance -- Vaccine hesitance; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Hesitance and resistance to COVID-19 vaccination poses a serious challenge to achieving adequate vaccine uptake in the general population. Cross-sectional data from the early months of the pandemic indicates that approximately one-third of adults in multiple nations are hesitant or resistant to a vaccine for COVID-19. Using longitudinal data, we tracked changes in attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. Study design: This is a quantitative, longitudinal design. Method: Nationally representative samples of the adult general population of the Republic of Ireland (N = 1041) and the United Kingdom (N = 2025) were assessed for their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination at three points from March to August 2020. Results: Statistically significant increases in resistance to COVID-19 vaccination were observed in Irish (from 9.5% to 18.1%) and British (from 6.2% to 10%) adults. Conclusion: Resistance to vaccination has significantly increased in two European nations as the pandemic has progressed. Growing resistance to COVID-19 vaccination will pose a challenge to public health officials responsible for ensuring sufficient vaccine coverage.