Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among higher education students in India

The most debatable and thought-out phenomenon during pandemics is vaccine reluctance and its adoption. With particular reference to their socio-demographic features in India, the current study seeks to analyze the incidence of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and reluctance differentials among students of higher educational institutions. From February 14 through February 21, 2022, a self-administered questionnaire was made available online for the purpose of gathering data. The current study used both quantitative and qualitative data and a mixed research technique. The 5-point Likert’s scale was used to collect data on vaccine-related misinformation beliefs, reasons for hesitance, motivating factors, and factors requiring vaccination uptake. To assess the internal consistency and reliability of the tool, the Cronbach’s alpha test was applied to each questionnaire item. The association between socio-demographic factors and vaccination willingness and uptake was examined using Pearson’s chi-square test. The significance of the difference across demographic groups in terms of their vaccine-related attitudes was assessed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Because a sizable fraction of the population received vaccinations, the study suggests that India had considerable success with its immunization drive. A notable percentage of respondents were initially unwilling to receive vaccinations, but later on, vaccination uptake among the respondents dramatically increased. Increased vaccination uptake was primarily caused by motivational considerations, with some pushing forces coming in second. Since a sizable majority of respondents expressed hesitation, millions of people in India are still unvaccinated. Therefore, consistent efforts and deliberate action should be implemented to increase public COVID-19 vaccination rates.