Feeling too isolated to be vaccinated? The contributing role of subjective interpersonal isolation factors towards COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance.

Objective: The present research examines how different forms of subjective isolation predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance with two online studies conducted in the U.S.

Methods: Study 1 (n = 695), conducted before COVID-19 vaccines were available, tested if different forms of subjective isolation predicted lower trust in potential COVID-19 vaccines. Study 2 (n = 674), conducted almost a year after COVID-19 vaccines were available, tested if different forms of subjective isolation predicted not being vaccinated.

Results: In Study 1, existential isolation and alienation predicted lower trust in potential COVID-19 vaccines, while loneliness did not. In Study 2, existential isolation and alienation, but not loneliness, predicted not getting vaccinated.

Conclusion: Existential isolation and alienation are associated with negative attitudes and behavior towards vaccines and may contribute to decreased participation in public health-related behaviors.