Characteristics associated with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and an exploration of the general public's perceptions: A mixed-methods approach

Demographics and media discourse impact vaccine hesitancy. We explored the New Zealand public's perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines and associated media portrayal, and determined predictive factors associated with willingness to receive vaccines. A community cohort (N = 340) completed online surveys. A logistic regression explored whether characteristics predict willingness to receive the vaccine. Textual data were analysed thematically. Willingness to receive the vaccine was high (90%). Having a postgraduate degree (p =.026), trying to receive an influenza vaccine (p <.001) and fewer concerns (p <.001) predicted willingness. Health keyworkers (p <.001) were less willing. Participants wanted the vaccine for protection and returning to normality. Reasons against receiving vaccines regarded safety, efficacy, and an unclear roll-out plan. The media was reported to generally provide good/positive coverage, but also engage in unbalanced reporting and spreading misinformation. Education strategies should include collaborations between media and scientists and focus on distributing easy-to-access information. Health keyworkers should be reassured of testing/safety.