Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccine Threat: Extending the Extended Parallel Process Model to Incorporate Perceptions of Response Threat.

This research sought to extend the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) by incorporating perceptions of vaccine threat with EPPM variables (threat and efficacy) to predict intention to vaccinate. Three hundred and twenty college students completed a survey measuring health threat (severity and susceptibility), efFicacy (response efficacy and self-efficacy), vaccine threat and intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Results were consistent for all predictions. First, perceived health threat and efficacy positively predicted behavioral intention to vaccinate. Second, perceived vaccination threat negatively predicted behavioral intention to vaccinate. Third, existing EPPM variables positively predicted, and vaccination threat negatively predicted, behavioral intention to vaccinate. Finally, existing EPPM variables and vaccination threat were better predictors of behavioral intention to vaccinate than existing EPPM variables alone. These findings suggest that when promoting vaccination, perceived health threat, efficacy, and vaccination threat should be included in COVID-19 health campaign messaging. Additional research should focus on further conceptualizing response threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]