Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Relates to Elective Vaccines Immunization Behavior and Influences Cross-Vaccination Attitudes and Behaviors for Self and Dependent Children

This study examines cross-vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers assessed a) whether previous vaccination history for elective vaccines relates to COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and b) if the attitude towards COVID-19 disease/vaccine relates to vaccination intention for self and children. A stratified, representative sample of the U.S. population aged 18 years and older was surveyed (n = 1,024) to assess prior vaccination behavior, vaccine intentions, risk behavior assessment, and vaccine attitudes and beliefs. Those unvaccinated against COVID-19 were significantly less likely to get influenza, HPV, and Shingles vaccines, recommend vaccines to other people and vaccinate their children than those who received COVID-19 vaccines. Results suggest a need for more robust recommendations from doctors to get COVID-19 and other vaccines, communication interventions to address anti-COVID-19 vaccination perceptions and behaviors, and research to test the directionality of cross-vaccination influence.