Social Networks and Their Role in Covid-19 Vaccine Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors: Evidence from California

Lucia Abascal Miguel, University of California San Francisco
Nadia Diamond-Smith, University of California, San Francisco
Anna Epperson, University of California, Merced
Alicia Riley, University of California, Santa Cruz
Janelli Vallin, University of California, San Francisco
Mary Garcia, University of California, Merced
Darío León, University of California, San Francisco
Alison Comfort, University of California, San Francisco

This study examines the influence of social networks on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in California. Using a sample of 1,159 adults recruited through Facebook and Instagram, participants reported up to 10 social ties they rely on for health information. We analyzed how these networks impacted intentions to get vaccinated with updated vaccines, focusing on factors such as vaccine encouragement, personal experiences with COVID-19, and trust in network members. Preliminary results show that individuals with vaccinated social ties or those who experienced COVID-19 were significantly more likely to intend to vaccinate. Trust and communication, whether in person or via social media, also strongly predicted vaccination intentions. Those who relied on social ties for health advice had higher odds of planning to vaccinate, highlighting the role of personal connections in shaping health decisions. The findings emphasize the potential of social networks, both in-person and digital, to disseminate health information and influence vaccine uptake. Public health efforts leveraging trusted social ties and peer advocacy may improve vaccine confidence and increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Keywords: Social network methods, Population, Shocks and Pandemics, Health and Morbidity

See extended abstract.