When to be vaccinated? What to consider? Modelling decision-making and time preference for COVID-19 vaccine through a conjoint experiment approach

How do citizens choose COVID-19 vaccines, and when do they wish to be vaccinated? A choice-based conjoint experiment was fielded in Hong Kong to examine factors that shape citizens preference toward COVID-19 vaccines and their time preference to be vaccinated, which is overlooked in extant literature. Results suggest people are most concerned about vaccines efficacy and severe side-effects, and that cash incentives are not useful in enhancing vaccine appeal. The majority of respondents show low intention for immediate vaccination, and many of them want to delay their vaccination. Further analysis shows that their time preference is shaped more by respondent characteristics than vaccine attributes. In particular, confidence in the vaccine, trust in government, and working in high-risk professions are associated with earlier timing for vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, forced COVID testing would delay vaccination. The findings offer a novel view in understanding how people decide whether and when to receive new vaccines, which have pivotal implications for a head start of any mass vaccination programs. HighlightsO_LIPeople are most concerned about vaccines efficacy and severe side-effects when choosing COVID-19 vaccines C_LIO_LICash incentives are not useful in enhancing vaccines appeal C_LIO_LITime preference of vaccination is shaped more by respondent characteristics than vaccine attributes C_LIO_LIForced COVID testing might delay vaccination decision C_LI