Objectives: The aim of the present study was to explore self-interest, kin altruism and non-kin altruism reasons that influence people to vaccinate against COVID-19.
Study design: This was a cross-sectional study using a fully repeated measures design.
Methods: Participants (N = 178) answered questions on perceived threat and likelihood of infection, vaccination status and opinion on mandatory vaccination. Participants also rated a set of statements that asked how likely these would influence them and others to vaccinate against COVID-19. Statements reflected self-interest, kin altruism or non-kin altruism.
Results: Just more than half of the sample (50.8%) reported the likelihood of infection as somewhat or extremely likely, and almost three-fourths (74.2%) reported that COVID-19 posed a minor or moderate threat to their physical health. Almost three-fourths (74.3%) of the sample were vaccinated, with just more than half (56.2%) in favour of mandatory vaccination. A 2 (self/other) × 3 (self-interest/kin altruism/non-kin altruism) fully repeated measures analysis of variance showed that kin-altruistic reasons were rated most highly, regardless of whether this was regarding oneself or others. Participants rated others as having greater self-interest reasons for vaccination compared with oneself, whereas non-kin altruism reasons for vaccination were rated higher for oneself, compared with others.
Conclusion: Highlighting the benefits of vaccination for close relatives and vulnerable others in the population would be a useful strategy for government to use when urging the public to vaccinate against COVID-19.
Keywords: Altruism; COVID-19; Vaccination.
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