Reasons for individuals' COVID-19 vaccine hesitations and changing decisions over time: A longitudinal qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 is a serious public health problem. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate the community. This study was aimed at examining the reasons for individuals' COVID-19 vaccine hesitations, and decisions that have changed over time. Material and methods: This was a prospective longitudinal qualitative study. Results: Confidence, fear, conspiracy theories, belief, and social pressure play a role in vaccine hesitancy. The most important factor in the changing decisions of individuals who are hesitant about vaccination is pressure. Confidence and fear also lead to a change of decision. However, it was remarkable that most of the participants who were vaccinated due to pressure did not want to be revaccinated. Conclusions: Governments, media, vaccine companies, health professionals, and scientists should act together to increase the vaccination rates of individuals. © 2022 Elsevier España, S.L.U.