Predicting intentions to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination among older adults using the Theory of Planned Behavior

The purpose of this study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict older adults' intentions and related factors of getting COVID-19 booster vaccinations and compare gender differences. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 147 adults aged 65 years or older were recruited by convenience sampling in Taiwan. Results revealed that 57.1 % of participants had positive intentions of getting a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 86.0 % of the behavioral intentions of getting a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Perceived behavioral control was the most important factor, followed by attitudes. Differences in intentions of getting the COVID-19 booster vaccination between males and females were not significant. The Theory of Planned Behavior and its main constructs can be appropriately applied to predict intentions to receive COVID-19 booster vaccinations among older adults.