Determinants of Participation in Immunization Against COVID-19 Before Vaccine Distribution in Iran

Background: Public participation is of crucial importance in immunization programs. Therefore, we aimed to study the determinants of participation in immunization against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before the distribution of the vaccines in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2021 with interviews and online components. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, past medical history, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, and the tendency to participate in vaccination against COVID-19. Results: Of 2071 participants, 1020 (49.2%) were men, and 1803 (87.1%) were determined to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Among participants, 87.1% (1803) stated that they were determined to participate in the immunization program against COVID-19. In addition, in this group, 52.1% believed vaccination could reduce mortality, and 48.8% thought the vaccine could decrease transmissibility. There was a significant association between positive attitudes toward vaccination against COVID-19 and the respondents’ socio-economic status (SES), educational levels, reporting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in themselves or their first-degree families, perceived susceptibility toward getting COVID-19 infection in the following months in themselves or close family members and being a healthcare worker. Most respondents were determined to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination because they believed vaccination would be effective in preventing mortality and decreasing COVID-19 transmission. Conclusions: SES, educational level, positive history of NCDs, perceived susceptibility toward getting COVID-19 infection, and being a healthcare worker had a significant positive association with the respondents’ intention to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program.