LAUSR

The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in a diverse state-wide population of students. An electronic survey was emailed to students in the Nevada System of Higher Education to assess effects of the pandemic. The survey included questions related to vaccine status, interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, factors influencing these decisions, and sources of health information. Among the 3773 respondents, over half (54%) were accepting of the vaccine, including vaccinated students (18.9%). Nearly one quarter (23.5%) expressed hesitancy to receive the vaccine, citing concerns about side effects and the need for more research. Factors related to hesitancy included female gender, increasing age, place of residence, marital status, and Black or Native American race. Vaccine hesitant respondents were less likely than other respondents to rely on public health agencies or newspapers for health information, and more likely to rely on employers, clinics, or “no one”. Culturally appropriate efforts involving COVID-19 vaccine information and distribution should target certain groups, focusing on factors such as side effects, development and testing of the vaccine. Research should investigate sources of health information of people who are hesitant to receive vaccines.