Application of Protection Motivation Theory to COVID-19 vaccination among a predominantly Hispanic sample of adolescents

Despite the efficacy and widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine uptake has been relatively low in U.S. Hispanic communities, especially among adolescents. This study examined vaccination status among 444 high school students in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods of Los Angeles County, California in May-June 2022 (mean age = 15.74 years, 55% female, 93% Hispanic). Guided by Protection Motivation Theory, we hypothesized that the odds of being fully vaccinated (at least 2 vaccine doses) would be significantly associated with higher levels of perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy. 79% of the respondents were fully vaccinated. Binary logistic regression analyses found that response efficacy (belief in the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine) and self-efficacy to get vaccinated were significantly associated with the likelihood of being fully vaccinated. Perceived severity of COVID-19 and perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 were not associated with the likelihood of being fully vaccinated. Results indicate that health communications are needed to convince Hispanic adolescents and their parents that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective, and outreach efforts are needed to remove barriers to vaccination among this population.