Predictors of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 in Serbia

Introduction. The main goal of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 is to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The free-of-charge recommended vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 in Serbia started in December, 2020, and it is still ongoing. The aim of this study was to determine the main socio-demographic characteristics associated with the acceptance of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 among the Serbian population. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the participants aged ? 15 years in the general population of Serbia during September and October, 2021. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Results. During the study period, a total of 1,418 participants were included in the survey. In general, vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 was significantly (p < 0.05) more often accepted with increasing age of the participants, among females, those who were married and with higher education, among the university faculty members/health workers, employees in the government sector, those who had one child, and those with unspecified income. satisfaction compared to comparison groups. Conclusion. Taking into account all identified predictors, the main predictors of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 among our participants were family members/close friends or others who died from coronavirus disease 2019 and intention to get vaccinated against influenza in the future. There is an urgent need to conduct further studies that assess intentions, beliefs, and attitudes towards vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 among the population throughout the Republic of Serbia.