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Open Access 14-05-2022 | COVID-19

The roots of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: evidence from Hungary

Authors: András Bíró-Nagy, Áron József Szászi

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1-2/2023

Abstract

This research explores the determinants of vaccine hesitancy during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary. This article utilizes data from in-person public opinion research conducted in Hungary (March 2021, N = 1000). Government supporters, older people (60 +) and COVID-19 survivors were more likely to accept vaccination, but these variables lose significance, once controlling for personal fears and pandemic-related attitudes. COVID-19 related fears and precautious behavior reduce, while general level of fears increase the probability of vaccine hesitancy. Fear from partner’s aggression and higher levels of financial security negatively correlate with vaccine hesitancy. Our study separately analyzes the effect of various pandemic-related conspiratorial beliefs on vaccine hesitancy. All analyzed false beliefs have a significant positive effect on vaccine hesitancy, but the strongest predictors are vaccine-related conspiracy theories (“microchip” and “population control” theories) and virus denial.

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Title: The roots of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: evidence from Hungary
Authors: András Bíró-Nagy
Áron József Szászi
Publication date: 14-05-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: COVID-19
Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccination
Anxiety
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1-2/2023
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-022-00314-5

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