What type of study is this?

This is a Cross-Sectional study.

September 10, 2025Open Access

Willingness to Pay for the COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Correlates in Bangladesh: Cross-Sectional Study

Key Points

Over half of respondents (51.6%) expressed willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting significant public interest.
Willingness to pay was notably higher among individuals with graduate-level education and increased vaccine knowledge.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified various correlates, including behavioral practices and perceived norms surrounding vaccination.
Improving vaccine knowledge and providing subsidies for low-income groups may increase willingness to pay and ensure equitable access.

Abstract

Abstract Background The Government of Bangladesh offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost; however, sustaining this free vaccination program for a large population poses significant challenges. Thus, assessing the willingness to pay (WTP) for the COVID-19 vaccine is essential for understanding potential pricing strategies, subsidy requirements, and vaccine demand. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WTP for the COVID-19 vaccine and its correlates. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 1497 respondents through web-based platform and face-to-face interviews. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the correlates of the WTP. Results The results showed that 772 of 1497 (51. 6%) participants were willing to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine, with a median of 300 BDT (IQR 150-500 BDT; a currency exchange rate of 1 BDT=US 0. 008 is applicable). The WTP was significantly higher among individuals with a graduate degree (adjusted odds ratio aOR 1. 98, 95% CI 1. 14-3. 45) or master’s and MPhil or PhD-level education (aOR 1. 93, 95% CI 1. 07-3. 48) and those with higher knowledge about the vaccine (aOR 1. 09, 95% CI 1. 02-1. 15), positive behavioral practices (aOR 1. 11, 95% CI 1. 06-1. 17), stronger subjective norms regarding COVID-19 vaccine (aOR 1. 25, 95% CI 1. 08-1. 46), and higher anticipated regret of getting infected with COVID-19 (aOR 1. 17, 95% CI 1. 04-1. 32). Conversely, WTP was lower among participants with negative attitudes toward vaccines (aOR 0. 91, 95% CI 0. 88‐0. 95) and high perceived behavioral control regarding COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 0. 86, 95% CI 0. 76‐0. 96; P =. 006). Conclusions With nearly half of the respondents unwilling to pay, this study highlights the need to improve vaccine-related knowledge and enhance income-based affordability to increase WTP. Health promotion efforts should focus on disseminating knowledge about vaccines and addressing negative perceptions. Additionally, a subsidized program for low-income groups can help mitigate financial barriers and promote equitable access to vaccines.

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