Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis
Objective: This Short Communication explores the effect of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (defined as a COVID-19 diagnosis after vaccination) on the willingness of previously vaccinated individuals to receive ongoing vaccine boosters. Specifically, we examine unique effects for three different bre...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2023-12-01
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| Series: | PEC Innovation |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277262822300047X |
| _version_ | 1797798549751070720 |
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| author | Christina W. Stevens Stephen R. Neely Joshua M. Scacco |
| author_facet | Christina W. Stevens Stephen R. Neely Joshua M. Scacco |
| author_sort | Christina W. Stevens |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objective: This Short Communication explores the effect of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (defined as a COVID-19 diagnosis after vaccination) on the willingness of previously vaccinated individuals to receive ongoing vaccine boosters. Specifically, we examine unique effects for three different breakthrough infection experiences, including the participant themselves, a close member of their family, and a friend/coworker. Methods: A representative, web-based survey of 600 adults in the state of Florida was fielded in March/April of 2022. Among the respondents, 455 had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Their responses were analyzed for this study using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Individuals who have experienced a personal breakthrough infection are two times less likely to receive annual vaccine boosters, ceteris paribus. However, there is not a statistically significant relationship between vaccine acceptance and breakthrough infections among close family members or friends/coworkers. We also found a very strong relationship between vaccine decisions and confidence in public health guidance. Conclusion: Our findings show that confidence in public health guidelines is the most compelling determinant of vaccine acceptance, but breakthrough infections also have a significant impact on individual decision making when it comes to ongoing vaccination. Going forward, public health messaging should directly account for this correlation in order to effectively maintain vaccination levels. Innovation: The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in the development and deployment of mRNA vaccines. This study contributes to innovation in health communication research by examining how breakthrough infections in these vaccinated individuals impacts ongoing booster shot acceptance. The findings of this study contribute to the nascent and ongoing development of baseline research in this area. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:05:26Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8ee5b0c8b020475293ae10acb8c4853c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2772-6282 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:05:26Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | PEC Innovation |
| spelling | doaj.art-8ee5b0c8b020475293ae10acb8c4853c2023-06-21T07:01:49ZengElsevierPEC Innovation2772-62822023-12-012100167Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysisChristina W. Stevens0Stephen R. Neely1Joshua M. Scacco2University of South Florida, School of Public Affairs, United States of AmericaUniversity of South Florida, School of Public Affairs, United States of America; Corresponding author at: 412.335.5055, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., SOC 107, Tampa, FL, 33620, United States of America.University of South Florida, Department of Communication, United States of AmericaObjective: This Short Communication explores the effect of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (defined as a COVID-19 diagnosis after vaccination) on the willingness of previously vaccinated individuals to receive ongoing vaccine boosters. Specifically, we examine unique effects for three different breakthrough infection experiences, including the participant themselves, a close member of their family, and a friend/coworker. Methods: A representative, web-based survey of 600 adults in the state of Florida was fielded in March/April of 2022. Among the respondents, 455 had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Their responses were analyzed for this study using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Individuals who have experienced a personal breakthrough infection are two times less likely to receive annual vaccine boosters, ceteris paribus. However, there is not a statistically significant relationship between vaccine acceptance and breakthrough infections among close family members or friends/coworkers. We also found a very strong relationship between vaccine decisions and confidence in public health guidance. Conclusion: Our findings show that confidence in public health guidelines is the most compelling determinant of vaccine acceptance, but breakthrough infections also have a significant impact on individual decision making when it comes to ongoing vaccination. Going forward, public health messaging should directly account for this correlation in order to effectively maintain vaccination levels. Innovation: The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in the development and deployment of mRNA vaccines. This study contributes to innovation in health communication research by examining how breakthrough infections in these vaccinated individuals impacts ongoing booster shot acceptance. The findings of this study contribute to the nascent and ongoing development of baseline research in this area.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277262822300047XCOVID-19Vaccine hesitancyBooster shotsBreakthrough infections |
| spellingShingle | Christina W. Stevens Stephen R. Neely Joshua M. Scacco Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis PEC Innovation COVID-19 Vaccine hesitancy Booster shots Breakthrough infections |
| title | Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis |
| title_full | Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis |
| title_fullStr | Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis |
| title_short | Breakthrough infections and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters: A survey analysis |
| title_sort | breakthrough infections and acceptance of covid 19 vaccine boosters a survey analysis |
| topic | COVID-19 Vaccine hesitancy Booster shots Breakthrough infections |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277262822300047X |
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