Intention and attitudes of Brazilian university students in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine
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Abstract
Vaccination is an important preventive measure to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and hospitalisation. Furthermore, it can play an important role in the return to ‘normality’ on university campuses. This study analyses attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and their relationship with the intention to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine among university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2021 with a convenience sample of 238 students at a Brazilian higher education institution. The data for the study were collected using an online questionnaire comprising information on sociodemographic data, a scale of attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccine, and a question about intention to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine. The students surveyed revealed a high intention to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine when offered. Students who showed more positive general attitudes towards vaccination and weaker beliefs that vaccination would cause adverse effects or be unsafe were found to be more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. This type of information is essential for universities in order to invest in campaigns to debunk misconceptions about the side effects of the vaccine.
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