Changes of factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Chinese residents: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: There is an urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy to achieve booster vaccination. This study aimed to reveal the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy (including COVID-19 vaccine) among Chinese residents, address modifications of the factors since the previous year, and propose vaccination rate improvement measures.

Materials and methods: This qualitative return visit study was performed between January and mid-February 2022, following the last interview conducted between February and March 2021. According to an outline designed in advance, 60 Chinese residents from 12 provinces participated in semi-structured interviews.

Results: Vaccine safety was the biggest concern raised by respondents, followed by self-immunity and vaccine effectiveness, eliciting concern since the interview last year. Notably, online media accounted for a more significant portion of suggestion sources than before, and fear of pain was a novel factor affecting vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, unlike other areas, those from provinces with a per capita gross domestic product of 3-5 (RMB 10,000) reported less concern about vaccine price and effectiveness. They tended to seek advice via online media less and were greatly influenced by vaccination policies.

Conclusions: Influential factors of vaccine hesitancy among Chinese residents are changing dynamically. Monitoring these trends is essential for public health measures and higher vaccination levels.

Keywords: China; influential factor; qualitative study; return visit; vaccine hesitancy.