Factors influencing acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia: a web-based survey
10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0085
- Author:
June Fei Wen LAU
1
;
Yuan Liang WOON
;
Chin Tho LEONG
;
Hoon Shien TEH
Author Information
1. Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2021;12(6):361-373
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has set a precedent for the fastest-produced vaccine as a result of global collaboration and outreach. This study explored Malaysians’ acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors.
Methods:A cross-sectional anonymous web-based survey was disseminated to Malaysian adults aged ≥18 years old via social media platforms between July 10, 2020 and August 31, 2020.
Results:In the analysis of 4,164 complete responses, 93.2% of participants indicated that they would accept the COVID-19 vaccine if it was offered for free by the Malaysian government. The median out-of-pocket cost that participants were willing to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine was Malaysian ringgit (MYR) 100 (interquartile range [IQR], 100) if it was readily available and MYR 150 (IQR, 200) if the supply was limited. Respondents with a low likelihood of vaccine hesitancy had 13 times higher odds of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.69 to 19.13). High perceived risk and severity were also associated with willingness to be vaccinated, with adjusted odds ratios of 2.22 (95% CI, 1.44 to 3.41) and 2.76 (95% CI, 1.87 to 4.09), respectively. Age and ethnicity were the only independent demographic characteristics that predicted vaccine uptake.
Conclusion:Public health strategies targeting perceived risk, perceived susceptibility and vaccine hesitancy could be effective in enhancing vaccine uptake.
