Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy in College-Attending Emerging Adults: Implications for Public Health Outreach

Background: Emerging adults (ages 18-29) have the highest COVID-19 infection rates and the lowest vaccination rates. With vaccine distribution underway, understanding characteristics of this population that predict hesitation to get vaccinated can inform public health outreach. Purpose: In the current study, we sought to identify demographic, psychological, and cultural predictors of vaccine hesitancy in college-attending emerging adults. Methods: We used snowball sampling methods to distribute an online survey to US undergraduates between October-November 2020; 225 completed surveys were returned. Results: A regression analysis showed that identifying as Black or African American, endorsing moderate or conservative political views, and lower levels of collectivism were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Gender, perceived vulnerability to disease, unrealistic optimism bias, and individualism did not predict vaccine hesitancy as hypothesized. Discussion: Findings suggest that demographic and cultural factors may be more salient than psychological factors in predicting vaccine hesitancy in college-attending emerging adults. Translation to Health Education Practice: Appealing to emerging adults' desire for collective well-being, social norm compliance, and acknowledging concerns about the trustworthiness of government and healthcare systems may lead to greater vaccine adherence.