Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine barriers and incentives to uptake: literature review

Introduction

Vaccines are considered to be the best weapon in defeating Covid-19, given their ability to reduce risk of infection, hospitalisation and death. Launched in December 2020, the Covid-19 vaccination rollout has represented the largest mass immunisation programme both in British and Scottish history, with 12.7 million doses (1-4) administered in Scotland alone^[1].

Five vaccines have been approved in the UK: Pfizer and AstraZeneca in December 2020, Moderna in January 2021, Janssen in May 2021 and Novavax in February 2022 (the last two not currently in use). The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has supported the campaign with expert advice on eligibility, priority and intervals between doses.

National and local governments, the NHS and third sector organisations have worked in partnership to guarantee the rapid distribution of doses across the country. Initially given just in care homes, GP practices and hospital/social care settings, vaccines have subsequently been administered through vaccination centres and pharmacies.

These efforts have contributed to make the UK one of the countries with the highest percentages of vaccinated people in the world. Yet, vaccination rates levelled off at the end of 2021, with third dose numbers dipping over the festive period and remaining low. Reasons for this vary and attitudes towards the vaccines range from acceptance to refusal. This literature review will explore the number of factors affecting uptake and analyse how these relate to particular groups in society.