Predictors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults.

Aims: We examined the predictive factors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults. Background: Vaccine hesitancy among older adults is influenced by several factors. Design: This study employed a cross‐sectional design. Methods: Online surveys were conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. The surveys included socio‐demographic variables, COVID‐19 vaccine‐related information, the Vaccine Attitude Examination Scale and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale. Results: Participants were 350 older adults (aged 68.1 ± 7.21 years; 62.9% females). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of correlated variables on the explanation of anti‐vaccination attitudes. Participants reported a moderate level of fear of COVID‐19 and a moderate level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine. The linear regression model revealed that several chronic illnesses, fear of COVID‐19 and number of family incidences of COVID‐19 explained vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Raising awareness among older adults about the desired effect of the COVID‐19 vaccine in terms of minimizing hospitalization, disease consequences and mortality rate is required. Well‐tailored interventions are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy among older adults and reinforce the importance of receiving the vaccine for those with multi‐morbidities. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? COVID‐19 vaccines are effective in minimizing the undesirable consequences of COVID‐19 and decreasing the mortality rate.Fear of COVID‐19 and misconceptions about the vaccination contribute to vaccine hesitancy.New COVID strains, new policies and new vaccine risk factors increase vaccine hesitancy. What this paper adds? There is a moderate level of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among the Jordanian older adult population.Vaccine hesitancy among older adults is attributed to multi‐morbidities, negative attitudes towards the vaccine, fear of COVID‐19 and number of family incidences of COVID‐19.Factors that influence the attitudes of Jordanian older adults towards anti‐vaccination include having had COVID‐19, number of chronic illnesses, fear of COVID‐19 and number of family incidences. The implications of this paper: Health‐care providers should use evidence‐based strategies to motivate and encourage Jordanian older adults to get vaccinated by disseminating factual and transparent information about the efficacy and safety of COVID‐19 vaccines, thereby reducing associated fears and promoting trust among older adults.Health‐care providers should tailor educational campaigns and communication strategies that address the gap in health literacy levels among older adults to achieve the desired vaccination rate.The results inform policymakers and other stakeholders to commence proactive vaccination campaigns that use population‐specific strategies to increase vaccine uptake and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]