Trust in physicians and trust in government predict COVID‐19 vaccine uptake

Objective We consider how trust in government, trust in physicians, and interpersonal trust affect the likelihood of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. Methods A survey of 3057 registered South Dakota voters was fielded in April 2021 that measured COVID‐19 vaccine uptake, three aspects of trust, and several other factors related to vaccine hesitancy. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the responses. Results We found positive, statistically significant, and substantively impactful effects for trust in government and trust in physicians on the likelihood of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake, and null results for interpersonal trust. Conclusions Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between trust and COVID‐19 vaccine uptake, and suggest that public health official as well as physicians should strive to increase the public's trust in the medical community.