Reevaluating the role of vaccine myths in understanding COVID-19 vaccination readiness

Public hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination has often been linked to persistent myths surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy. Yet, evidence from myth-correction interventions has been inconsistent, raising questions about the extent to which such beliefs influence vaccination behavior. Accordingly, the present study evaluated whether myths about COVID-19 vaccination offer unique explanatory value for vaccination behavior beyond Decisional Balance and Self-efficacy as outlined in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data from a prior COVID-19 vaccination readiness measure development study. Data were collected between February-March 2022 through Prolific (www.prolific.com). Participants were eligible if they were at least 18 years old, maintained the autonomy to get vaccinated, and resided in the US. The final sample included 528 US adults aged 18 to 75. Participants had completed questionnaires assessing Demographics, Stage of Change, Decisional Balance (Health & Safety Pros, Health & Safety Cons, and Social Cons), Self-efficacy (General and Mistrust Self-efficacy), and Myths related to COVID-19 vaccination. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to explore relationships between resultant Decisional Balance and Self-efficacy subconstructs, Myths, and vaccination behavior. While significantly correlated with Decisional Balance and Self-efficacy subconstructs and vaccination behavior, Myths were not significant contributors to behavior beyond Health & Safety Pros, Health & Safety Cons, and Social Cons in multivariate analysis. Similarly, Self-efficacy was not a significant predictor in the full model. Thus, myths about the COVID-19 vaccine may not offer additional value in explaining vaccination behavior beyond established Decisional Balance measures. Intervention efforts may be better directed at addressing perceived health and safety-related pros and cons of vaccination rather than focusing solely on debunking myths.