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.