Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in College Students Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review Using COVID-19 as a Case Study

Background: Resistance to vaccinations continues to pose a considerable challenge to attaining widespread vaccination, especially among the college student demographic, who are pivotal in championing public health initiatives. This systematic review investigates the elements that influence reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among university students globally. Utilizing the WHO’s 3C model, which encompasses confidence, complacency, and convenience, this review seeks to pinpoint the main factors and suggest focused strategies to address them. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Global Health. Eligible studies were cross-sectional, peer-reviewed, and examined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among college students. Covidence was used for screening, and data were synthesized narratively using the 3C model. Results: Sixty-seven studies (n = 88,345 participants) from 25 countries were included in this study. Confidence factors were the most influential, with fear of side effects (87.18%) and doubts about efficacy (72.4%) as primary concerns. Complacency factors included a low perceived risk of infection (34.9%) and a preference for alternative preventive measures (52.3%). Convenience barriers involved financial costs (58.1%) and difficulty accessing vaccination centers (40.3%). Subgroup analyses revealed variations by academic discipline and geographic region, with medical students showing hesitancy despite their health knowledge. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among college students is primarily driven by safety concerns, misinformation, and accessibility barriers. Addressing hesitancy requires transparent risk communication, policy-driven accessibility improvements, and tailored educational interventions. These findings can inform strategies to enhance vaccine uptake among young adults and contribute to broader efforts in pandemic preparedness.