Examining the direct and indirect effects of trust in motivating COVID-19 vaccine uptake

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate how trust in healthcare providers, public health agencies, politicians, and pharmaceutical companies shaped people’s attitudes and behavioral intention associated with COVID-19 vaccination, directly and indirectly via the mediation of vaccine evaluation and emotions. METHODS: A two-wave longitudinal survey (N = 534) was employed in late 2020 and early 2021 to assess the direct and indirect relationships between trust on people’s attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination intention, and actual vaccine uptake. RESULTS: Results show that trust was positively associated with attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination intention, both directly and indirectly via the mediation of vaccine evaluation, hope, and anger. Vaccination intention also mediated trust’s influence on vaccine uptake. CONCLUSION: Trust in health providers, vaccine manufacturers, and public health agencies are vital to public acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers and vaccine manufacturers may serve as the most effective source to communicate COVID-19 vaccine-related information. Trusted health communicators need to highlight the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine while maintaining a positive tone.