The effect of private self-consciousness on the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Background: Although COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, the number of people willing to receive the vaccine has not yet reached the level for herd immunity. Using the health belief model with governmental information support, this study examined private self-consciousness in combination with other factors that influence the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Materials and methods: The perceived susceptibility to and perceived seriousness of COVID-19, perceived benefits of and perceived barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine, governmental information support, private self-consciousness, and the intention to receive the vaccine were examined in 523 adults. The data were analyzed with partial least squares regression. Results: The results indicate that private self-consciousness reduces the effect of perceived susceptibility on the intention to receive the vaccine and the negative effect of the perceived barriers to receiving it on intention. Conclusion: The information provided by the public health department should focus on perceived seriousness and perceived benefits because they are not affected by private self-consciousness.