determinants of participation in immunization against covid-19 before vaccine distribution in iran

Background: public participation is of crucial importance in immunization programs. therefore, we aimed to study the determinants of participation in immunization against coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) before the distribution of the vaccines in iran. methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in february 2021 with interviews and online components. the questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, past medical history, perceived susceptibility to covid-19 infection, and the tendency to participate in vaccination against covid-19. results: of 2071 participants, 1020 (49.2%) were men, and 1803 (87.1%) were determined to participate in the covid-19 vaccination program. among participants, 87.1% (1803) stated that they were determined to participate in the immunization program against covid-19. in addition, in this group, 52.1% believed vaccination could reduce mortality, and 48.8% thought the vaccine could decrease transmissibility. there was a significant association between positive attitudes toward vaccination against covid-19 and the respondents’ socio-economic status (ses), educational levels, reporting non-communicable diseases (ncds) in themselves or their first-degree families, perceived susceptibility toward getting covid-19 infection in the following months in themselves or close family members and being a healthcare worker. most respondents were determined to participate in the covid-19 vaccination because they believed vaccination would be effective in preventing mortality and decreasing covid-19 transmission. conclusions: ses, educational level, positive history of ncds, perceived susceptibility toward getting covid-19 infection, and being a healthcare worker had a significant positive association with the respondents’ intention to participate in the covid-19 vaccination program.