Acceptance and willingness to pay under the different COVID-19 vaccines: A contingent valuation method

Vanida Prasert; Montarat Thavorncharoensap; Pasitpon Vatcharavongvan

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.001

Acceptance and willingness to pay under the different COVID-19 vaccines: A contingent valuation method

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2022 Nov;18(11):3911-3919. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.001. Epub 2022 Jun 5.

Authors

Vanida Prasert¹, Montarat Thavorncharoensap², Pasitpon Vatcharavongvan³

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand. Electronic address: vanida@scphc.ac.th.
² Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thailand.
³ Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is recognized as a novel tool in the battle against COVID-19. Recently, there were several types of vaccines that have a different effectiveness and safety profile. Understanding the vaccine acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) are essential to develop a strategic plan to increase the rate of COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

Objectives: To assess the acceptance and WTP for a COVID-19 Vaccine in Thailand using the contingent valuation method (CVM). Additionally, to identify the factors that affect the acceptance and the amount of WTP for a COVID-19 Vaccine.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a payment card approach with open-ended questions during September 2021. Three hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines (Vaccines A, B, and C) in two scenarios were employed. Data were collected from 752 people. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the predictors of vaccine acceptance. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze factors associated with the maximum amount WTP for a vaccine.

Results: Of 742 respondents, the highest acceptance was vaccine C (70.71%), followed by B (17.72%) and A (11.57%). Similarly, 53.87%, 41.44%, and 36.21% of the respondents expressed WTP for vaccine C, B and A, respectively. The maximum amount WTP for vaccine C was US$46, followed by B (US$35) and A (US$32). Factors affecting acceptance included monthly salary, region of residence, education, perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, knowledge and attitude about the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, monthly salary, region of residence, education and knowledge on COVID-19 vaccine were related to maximum amount WTP.

Conclusion: Acceptance and WTP depends on vaccine characteristics. Educational campaigns should be implemented to improve people's awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines to increase the vaccines' acceptance. To increase the rate of vaccination, the Thai government needs to allow freedom of choice on vaccines, while considering effectiveness and safety issues.

Keywords: Acceptance; Contingent valuation method; Covid-19; Vaccine; Willingness to pay.

MeSH terms

COVID-19 Vaccines*
COVID-19* / prevention & control
Cross-Sectional Studies
Educational Status
Humans
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vaccination

Substances

COVID-19 Vaccines