Abstract

This study aimed to determine variables affecting intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 by applying the Health Belief Model and to examine how online information regarding negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines could affect intention to vaccinate. Major research findings are as follows. First, individuals who believed that they had a greater likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19 (perceived vulnerability) were less willing to be vaccinated after acquiring negative information about COVID-19 vaccines. On the other hand, individuals showed a greater willingness to be vaccinated when they believed that their lives would be greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (perceived seriousness). Second, perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccines were found to increase the intention to vaccinate regardless of viewing negative information on COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, it is important to disseminate accurate information based on evidence to increase public awareness about risks of COVID-19 and the importance of herd immunity. In addition, to improve vaccination rates in the future, it is necessary to provide information on the prevention effect of the vaccine on mutations of the COVID-19 virus.