The association of pandemic fatigue and COVID-19 booster uptake Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Although the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines were taken by 70% of the population in the United States, booster dose receipt didn’t come close to reaching this level of adherence. Feelings of pandemic fatigue from the COVID-19 pandemic has been discussed, but the implications on protective behavior, booster uptake, have not been assessed cross-sectionally.

Using survey data from the COVIDVu study, from August 2020 to May 2022 (N=3400), including participant demographics, pandemic fatigue Likert scaled questions, and vaccine uptake, the association between pandemic fatigue and receipt of a booster dose was assessed. Pandemic fatigue questions were categorized into two groups: disinterest and protection aversion; to understand if these two attitudes of fatigue resulted in lower booster uptake.

In unadjusted analyses, both pandemic fatigue disinterest and protection aversion were associated with not receiving a booster (0.65 and 0.78).  In adjusted analyses controlling for variables including political affiliation, a one-point increase in the level of disinterest was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of receiving a booster (disinterest: aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66-0.78); pandemic fatigue protection aversion was not associated with vaccine receipt in adjusted analyses.

Pandemic fatigue likely played a part in low receipt of booster uptake, specifically related to the feelings of disinterest towards the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailoring future national booster vaccine campaigns to the interests of the public will be essential in obtaining better adherence.

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................. 1 Methods .................................................................................. 1 Results .................................................................................... 5 Discussion ............................................................................... 5

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology Health Sciences, Public Health
Mot-clé	COVID-19
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Aaron Siegler, Emory University

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