Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and vaccine unwillingness in Canada. Eleven databases were searched in March 2022. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and unwillingness were estimated. Sub-group analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Out of 667 studies screened, 86 full-text articles were reviewed, 30 were included in the systematic review. Twenty-four articles were included in the meta-analysis; 12 for the pooled prevalence of vaccine hesitancy (42.3%[95%CI, 33.7%-51.0%]) and 12 for vaccine unwillingness (20.1% [95% CI, 15.2% - 24.9%]). Vaccine hesitancy was higher in females (18.3% [95% CI, 12.4% - 24.2%]) than males (13.9% [95% CI, 9.0% - 18.8%]), rural (16.3%[95%CI, 12.9%-19.7%]) versus urban areas (14.1%[95%CI, 9.9% - 18.3%]). Vaccine unwillingness was higher in females (19.9% [95%CI, 11.0%-24.8%]) compared to males (13.6%[95% CI, 8.0%-19.2%]), non-White individuals (21.7% [95% CI, 16.2% - 27.3%]) than White individuals (14.8% [95% CI, 11.0% - 18.5%]), and secondary or less (24.2% [95% CI, 18.8% - 29.6%]) versus post-secondary education (15.9% [95% CI, 11.6% - 20.2%]). Factors related to racial disparities, gender, education level, and age were discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Older adults
  • Vaccine/vaccination
  • Acceptance
  • COVID-19