The Brink: BUSSW Professor Hahm Leads Study on Young Adults’ COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes
Young adults overwhelmingly support COVID-19 vaccination, according to new research led by Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm, professor and associate dean for research at Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW). The findings were featured in BU’s The Brink.
Drawing on survey responses from more than 1,800 young adults ages 18 to 30 across the United States, the study found that more than three-quarters of participants support COVID-19 vaccination. Many said they were motivated by a desire to protect their own health, along with the well-being of their communities.
A smaller group of young adults, however, remain resistant to vaccination. Researchers found that individuals with anti-vaccine attitudes were more likely to distrust science and government institutions and less likely to report altruistic motivations.
“Our study emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild trust in institutions and science through transparent, credible communication,” Hahm said.
The research team, which included faculty and students from BUSSW, Boston University School of Public Health, and Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, highlighted the importance of public health outreach that emphasizes shared responsibility and health protection.