Delayed vaccinators need targeted strategies to increase confidence in health decisions

Why did young people in Slovenia hesitate to get vaccinated against COVID-19? In 2021, Slovenia had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the EU, with individuals under 37 showing the highest reluctance. But what influenced their decisions? The study, based on an integrated model combining the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour, explored key factors shaping vaccination intentions and behaviour among 15-30-year-olds. Analysing data from 507 respondents, researchers identified distinct patterns:

• 45.8% were vaccinated – mostly aged 23-26, with higher education and better financial standing,
• 30% refused vaccination – more common among the youngest (15-18) and oldest (27-30) groups, often with lower education and higher belief in conspiracy theories and
• 12.4 % were hesitant, while 11.8 % planned to get vaccinated later, influenced by their risk perception and self-efficacy.

The findings of the study can help health policy makers and practitioners to optimise young people's vaccination readiness and provide valuable insights for addressing other vaccinations, future outbreaks of infectious diseases and the implementation of effective preventive measures. Interventions should be tailored to the main reasons for non-vaccination, with priority target groups being those with the greatest potential for behaviour change. Those who have refused vaccination may not be the most effective group for initial targeting. Instead, they should focus on late vaccinators who show the greatest willingness to vaccinate among the unvaccinated and who need targeted strategies such as:

• addressing misinformation to counter conspiracy beliefs,
• enhancing trust in science through transparent communication
• and help young people with confidence in their health choices.

To improve vaccine uptake, interventions must be tailored to the unique barriers faced by each subgroup.

The study Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccination Intention and Behavior Among Young People in a European Union Country With Low COVID-19 Vaccination Rates: Cross-Sectional Study was published by Assistant Professor Dr. Sara Atanasova, Prof. Dr. Tanja Kamin and Assistant Professor Dr. Nina Perger. 

Photo: Freepik, JMIR