# Factors influencing Thai university students’ decisions to take COVID-19 vaccine booster doses: a cross-sectional survey

## TL;DR

This study explores why Thai university students accepted or rejected COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, finding that accessibility and scientific evidence were key factors.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific factors influencing booster dose acceptance among Thai university students, filling a knowledge gap in this population.

## Key findings

- Vaccine accessibility significantly increased booster dose acceptance (adjusted odds ratio = 2.77).
- Scientific evidence availability was linked to regular vaccine acceptance (adjusted odds ratio = 3.44).
- Health sciences students and undergraduates were the primary participants, with 52.8% accepting booster doses.

## Abstract

We aimed to describe the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and factors influencing this among Thai university students.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and September 2022. All university students in Thailand were eligible to participate. We explored the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and regular vaccines (if available) among university students. Associations between factors influencing the acceptance of vaccination were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

A total of 322 participants were surveyed (78.9% female, age 18 to 49 years (mean = 22.6, standard deviation = 5.47)). Most participants (85.7%) were undergraduate students (Bachelor level), and a proportion (84.8%) had a background in health sciences studies. The proportions who accepted booster doses and regular vaccines were 52.8% and 69.3%, respectively. Vaccine accessibility was found to be significantly associated with the acceptance of booster doses (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–6.97), while the availability of scientific evidence (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.21–9.77) was significantly associated with the acceptance of regular vaccines.

This study contributes to addressing the knowledge gap regarding acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses among university students in Thailand. Our findings revealed that vaccine accessibility and the availability of scientific evidence, as well as vaccination costs, influenced individuals’ decisions around accepting vaccine booster doses. Further research should focus on the dynamics of vaccine acceptance to facilitate the development of targeted strategies and support vaccination policymaking in Thailand.