Understanding Gender Differences in COVID-19 Booster Acceptance Among Healthcare Workers

A study from Taizhou, China, reveals sex differences in the relationship between post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and willingness to pay for a COVID-19 booster dose among healthcare workers, highlighting that decision regret fully mediates this relationship in males and partially in females. The findings suggest that addressing post-vaccination side effects and decision regret could improve booster dose acceptance.

A recent study published in Preventive Medicine Reports, conducted by researchers from the Evidence-based Medicine Center at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province and the Department of Orthopedics at the same institution, explores the sex differences in the relationship between post-vaccination adverse reactions, decision regret, and the willingness to pay (WTP) for a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China. The study carried out an online survey involving 1,054 healthcare workers who had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, uncovering significant findings about the influence of adverse reactions and decision regret on WTP for the booster dose.

Decision Regret Influences Booster Willingness

The survey revealed that 40.6% of male and 48.3% of female participants were willing to pay for the booster dose. An intriguing aspect of the study was the mediating role of decision regret in the relationship between adverse reactions and WTP, which exhibited distinct differences between genders. For males, decision regret completely mediated the effect of adverse reactions on WTP, while for females, it partially mediated this effect. The investigation showed that post-vaccination adverse reactions were more common in females (12.0%) than in males (9.7%). This discrepancy in adverse reaction rates significantly influenced the willingness to pay for the booster dose, with fewer females who experienced side effects willing to pay for the booster. Among those who did not experience adverse reactions, the willingness to pay was notably higher. This finding aligns with previous research indicating that the occurrence of adverse reactions can dampen individuals' enthusiasm for additional doses of a vaccine.

Gender Differences in Vaccine Perception

The researchers employed descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and mediation analysis to analyze the data. They found that decision regret scores were higher among participants who experienced adverse reactions, which in turn lowered their willingness to pay for the booster dose. For males, the direct effect of adverse reactions on WTP was not statistically significant, suggesting that decision regret fully mediated this relationship. For females, both the direct effect of adverse reactions and the mediating effect of decision regret significantly impacted WTP. This difference implies that while males might rely more heavily on their regret feelings when deciding on further vaccination, females consider both the adverse effects and their regret, reflecting a more complex decision-making process.

Implications for Public Health Strategies

The study underscores the importance of considering sex differences in vaccine administration and promotion strategies. It suggests that minimizing post-vaccination side effects could enhance the acceptance and WTP for booster doses, particularly among female healthcare workers. These findings have significant implications for public health strategies, especially in terms of designing and communicating vaccination campaigns. The research indicates that addressing psychological factors like decision regret is crucial for improving vaccination rates and public health outcomes. The findings also suggest that providing comprehensive information about the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines could help mitigate decision regret and increase WTP for booster doses. This approach could be particularly effective among healthcare workers, who play a critical role in managing public health and setting an example for the general population.

Addressing Psychological Factors in Vaccination

Furthermore, the study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and research to understand the evolving perceptions and behaviors related to COVID-19 vaccination. As the pandemic continues and new variants emerge, booster doses may become increasingly necessary. Understanding the factors that influence WTP for these doses can help policymakers and healthcare providers develop targeted interventions to ensure high vaccination coverage. The research also emphasizes the importance of tailoring communication and support strategies to different demographic groups, recognizing that men and women may respond differently to the same information and experiences.

Future Vaccine Policies and Strategies

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into how post-vaccination experiences and psychological responses differ by sex, influencing the willingness to pay for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers. These findings can inform future vaccine policies and strategies aimed at increasing booster dose uptake, ultimately contributing to better pandemic management and prevention. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of vaccination, health authorities can improve public trust and willingness to receive booster doses, ensuring that healthcare workers and the broader population are better protected against COVID-19. The study's insights into the mediating role of decision regret also offer a new perspective on vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both clinical and emotional considerations in vaccination campaigns.