The intention to get COVID-19 booster vaccination and its association with cognitive and emotional factors: A survey of Chinese COVID-19 infected people in Hong Kong

Background Although the pandemic has ended officially, COVID-19 remains impactful. Booster COVID-19 vaccination is still needed to protect individuals against COVID-19 and the disease's harmful consequences. This study investigated the prevalence of the intention to get booster COVID-19 vaccination after receiving the COVID-19 diagnosis and its associated factors among people reporting prior COVID-19. Methods A population-based anonymous telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong, China from June to August 2022 among Chinese people reporting prior COVID-1 between February and August 2022 and having taken up >= 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. Results The prevalence of the intention to get booster vaccination was 59.2 %. Older age (>60 years), being currently married, not employed full-time, and having chronic diseases were positively associated with the intention to get booster vaccination. Adjusted for the background factors, higher levels of the cognitive factors of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived acquired moderate-to-strong immunity against COVID-19, and perceived adequate knowledge of COVID-19 were positively associated with the intention to get booster vaccination; stronger perceived severity of prior infection despite vaccination was negatively associated with the intention outcome. In contrast, stronger mental distress due to COVID-19, illness concern, and emotional representation were positively associated with the intention. Self-perceived long COVID status was not a significant factor. Discussion The prevalence of the intention to get booster COVID-19 vaccination was limited, especially among younger people reporting prior COVID-19. Health promotion is still required among people reporting prior COVID-19 and may emphasize the significant cognitive factors positively associated with the intention. Future studies are needed to confirm the findings, clarify the role of emotional factors on booster vaccination, and explore other factors of the intention to get booster vaccination among people reporting prior COVID-19.