Background
Vaccination support among vulnerable populations including older adults is often low. This study used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand factors associated with older adults' overall support in Singapore’s vaccination programme.

Methods
A door-to-door survey was administered to a representative sample of 600 older adults using stratified random sampling between March-May 2022. Participants were asked questions relating to their: (a) thoughts on vaccinating against COVID-19, (b) perception on the efficacy and safety of the vaccines, (c) perception of potential benefits of a high vaccination rate, (d) sources of information relating to COVID-19, (e) health status, (f) stress level, and (g) psycho-social adaptability. Statistical methods employed include multiple regression analysis and t-tests.

Results
Findings showed that four of the eight TDF domains covered in the survey were significant predictors of a composite measure of overall support in Singapore’s vaccination programme. The four domains were: (i) Beliefs About Consequences [of vaccination], (ii) Beliefs About Capabilities [of resisting COVID-19], (iii) Optimism [of the future], (iv) Goals [of a high vaccination rate]. Additionally, findings showed that trust in government was a positive predictor whereas trust in friends was a negative predictor. Differences in perspectives between the vaccinated and unvaccinated towards the necessity of vaccination were also examined

Discussion & Conclusion
Through understanding factors associated with vaccination support, decision makers will be in a better position to influence vaccine uptake in the older adult population. This is useful especially if regular vaccine shots are needed in future, or as more contagious variants emerge.

Authors:
Chou Chuen Yu, Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
Jonathan Gao, Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
Fiona Goh, Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
Wee Shiong Lim, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
James Alvin Low, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Chou-Chuen Yu is a research fellow at the Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore. Dr Yu holds a PhD in Psychology. At present, his research focus is on 'aging and COVID-19' and has published four journal articles in this field.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chou-chuen-yu-b9597349/

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