Predictors of acceptance and willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine in the general public of India: A health belief model approach

Objective:To determine the predictors of acceptance and willingness to pay(WTP)for the COVID-19 vaccine among the Indian public and to provide insights for future demand forecasts and pricing considerations.Methods:A nationwide,web-based,self-administered,crosssectional survey was conducted from 5 to 20 October 2020.The health belief model(HBM)approach was used as a theoretical framework to assess the predictors of acceptance of and WTP for the COVID-19 vaccine.Results:Of 2480 respondents,2451 completed the online survey,yielding a response rate of 98.8%.Participants who participated in the survey had diverse demographics in terms of their location,educational level,occupation type,and family income.Among 2451 respondents,the majority(89.3%)intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Respondents with high perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination,such as reduction in worry(OR 5.87;95%CI 4.39-7.96)and sickness(OR 4.31;95%CI 3.31-5.62),showed higher intention to receive the vaccine.However,respondents with a high perception of the side effects and barriers to vaccination(OR 0.36;95%CI 0.25-0.54)and vaccine shortage(OR 0.58;95%CI 0.41-0.81)showed lower intention to receive the vaccine.The majority(2162,88.21%)of respondents were willing to pay an amount of INR:500-1000 or USD:6.81-13.62 for a dose of COVID-19 vaccine,with a median(Q1,Q3)of INR:500(500,1000)or USD:6.81(6.81,13.62).The higher marginal WTP for the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by advanced age,marital status,female sex,intermediate educational background,high family income,fair or poor perceived health status,and no affordable barriers.Conclusions:The majority of respondents intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Healthcare interventions focusing on HBM constructs and demographic predictors associated with low intention to receive the vaccine can be effective in enhancing the coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine.The findings of this study provide guidance for the future price considerations of the COVID-19 vaccine.