Table 3.
Public perceived reasons for hesitancy/refusal to try any new COVID-19 vaccine (n = 1287)
| Statements | Strongly agree/agree | Neutral | Strongly disagree/Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I’m concerned of the adverse effects of a COVID-19 vaccine | 781 (60.7) | 379 (29.4) | 127 (9.9) |
| My religious and/or cultural beliefs are against vaccination | 259 (20.1) | 548 (42.6) | 480 (37.3) |
| I have my doubts in the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine | 570 (44.3) | 556 (43.2) | 161 (12.5) |
| I do not have adequate information on the benefits of vaccination and/or the harms of a COVID-19 infection | 665 (51.7) | 447 (34.7) | 175 (13.6) |
| The financial costs of the vaccine are high | 589 (45.8) | 537 (41.7) | 171 (13.3) |
| I am allergic to one of the approved vaccines against other diseases thus I will not receive a COVID-19 vaccine | 290 (22.5) | 542 (42.1) | 455 (35.4) |
| I’m concerned of the stigma surrounding the receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine | 300 (23.3) | 538 (41.8) | 449 (34.9) |
| I prefer a more “natural way” to become immune against COVID-19 | 826 (64.2) | 477 (37.1) | 129 (10.0) |
| I do not trust the healthcare system and/or pharmaceutical industry | 462 (35.9) | 577 (44.8) | 248 (19.3) |
| I have preexisting medical conditions that would lower my immunity and prevent me from receiving vaccines. | 302 (23.5) | 522 (40.6) | 463 (36.0) |
| Vaccines in general lower fertility and should be avoided | 350 (27.2) | 685 (53.2) | 252 (19.6) |
| Mean hesitancy score ± SD | 56.2 ± 16.0 | ||
SD: standard deviation.