The Impact of National Context on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Across Europe: A Multi-Level Approach

This study investigates vaccine hesitancy among the 50+ population in Europe and Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the role of national contexts alongside individual determinants. Utilizing data from the SHARE Corona Surveys (SCS1 and SCS2), the analysis includes over 48,000 respondents across 28 countries. The framework is guided by the WHO’s Complacency, Convenience, and Confidence (3Cs) model to explore factors influencing vaccination intent. Complacency examines perceived risks and visibility of the virus’s consequences, convenience evaluates accessibility and affordability of vaccines, and confidence assesses trust in vaccines, healthcare systems, and policymakers.

Key findings suggest that higher COVID-19 mortality rates and stricter containment measures reduce complacency and increase vaccine uptake. Greater healthcare expenditure and Human Development Index (HDI) scores enhance convenience, leading to higher vaccination rates. Additionally, trust in governments and health authorities as well as in the vaccine itself predict confidence, shaping vaccination intent.

The study reveals significant national disparities in vaccination attitudes and behaviours, linked to socio-economic factors and healthcare quality. By incorporating multivariate logistic regression models, the research highlights the interplay between individual and national factors, suggesting that successful vaccination campaigns require a holistic approach addressing both personal hesitations and systemic barriers. This research hence underscores the importance of public trust, robust healthcare systems, and targeted communication strategies to mitigate vaccine hesitancy and improve pandemic response outcomes.