The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new phenomenon to light – the influence of the country of origin on trust in vaccines. A study conducted by João Lucas Hana Frade and his team analyzed 52 published works from 48 countries and found that people showed a clear preference for vaccines based on where they were manufactured.
During the vaccination campaign in Brazil, individuals sought out specific brands of vaccines, crossing neighborhoods and cities to receive their preferred choice. Similar preferences were observed in Mexico, India, Iran, and the United States, where people favored vaccines produced domestically or in Western countries over others.
The concept of the country of origin effect, which is commonly seen in products like cars and wine, was applied to vaccines during the pandemic. Consumers used the origin of the vaccine to infer its quality, leading to concerns about the efficacy and safety of vaccines based on where they were developed.
The study highlighted the importance of understanding the country of origin effect in future vaccination campaigns. By strategically emphasizing or downplaying the origin of vaccines, manufacturers can address concerns and increase vaccine acceptance among the population.
Overall, the research sheds light on the complex relationship between the country of origin and vaccine hesitancy, providing valuable insights for public health communications and future pandemic response strategies. The study, published in the journal Management Review Quarterly, offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the country of origin on trust in COVID-19 vaccines.
