Investigating the Factors Associated with Vaccine Acceptability in Faculty at a Four-year Public University
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Jonelle Brown
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Eunice Nkansah
Abstract:
This study investigated the sociopolitical factors that influenced COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in male and female university faculty at a four-year public university. The study further examined the magnitude of hesitancy in vaccinated participants prior to their complete vaccination. The acquired data was intended to add to an existing pool of knowledge that analyzed the factors of vaccine acceptance in faculty and contributed to the success of future vaccine promotion efforts. This study utilized a quantitative approach, specifically a survey, and collected data primarily through an online questionnaire through Qualtrics. The study randomly sampled 26 participants who were faculty and staff members at the four-year university. The findings from the study revealed several factors that influenced the COVID-19 vaccine update among university faculty, including concern for side effects, one’s personal belief of needing the vaccine, direction from an institutional head, trust in governmental information resources, and willingness to pay for the vaccine. Further analysis revealed that male participants were more likely to express their hesitance in accepting the vaccine than female participants. The researcher recommended educational institutions establish a vaccine mandate for future mass vaccination efforts. More accessible information about the vaccine through federal information outlets in various communities can increase the public’s vaccine confidence and encourage vaccine uptake.