The 9 psychological barriers that lead to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal

The fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on hospital networks, upsetting many and making vaccine refusals seem foolish. To better understand what leads someone refuse or delay vaccination, it is important to identify the psychological barriers that underlie the decision. Behind the refusal to be vaccinated, there is a complex emotional spectrum that colours each person’s behaviour and choices. Apart from religious and cultural reasons or health conditions that justify not receiving the vaccine, the choice to refuse vaccination can be explained by a range of other factors. The following nine factors provide a good picture of the complexity of the situation. Misunderstanding and lack of information A first barrier is lack of understanding about the vaccine or misunderstanding the necessity of vaccination. Faced with contradictory opinions and a lack of information, some people are perplexed: Why should you get vaccinated if you can still catch the virus and transmit it?...