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

Bíró-Nagy, András and Szászi, Áron József (2022) The roots of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: evidence from Hungary. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 45. pp. 1-16. ISSN 1573-3521 (In Press)

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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 signifcance, 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 efect of various pandemic related conspiratorial beliefs on vaccine hesitancy. All analyzed false beliefs have a signifcant positive efect on vaccine hesitancy, but the strongest predictors are vaccinerelated conspiracy theories (“microchip” and “population control” theories) and virus denial.

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