Understanding how education influences health behaviour is essential in addressing vaccine hesitancy during global health crises. This study investigates the relationship between educational attainment and individuals’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with the goal of identifying vulnerable groups and informing public health outreach. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 18 and older across multiple countries using both online and in-person data collection methods. Participants reported their highest level of education and responded to survey items assessing vaccine willingness, perceived importance, and understanding of COVID-19 vaccines. Statistical analysis using linear regression revealed a significant association between higher levels of education and increased willingness to be vaccinated (B = -0.99, p < .001). The model explained 36.4% of the variance in vaccine willingness (R² = 0.364), suggesting that education is a key predictor of vaccine attitudes. The findings in the study highlight the role of educational attainment in shaping public health decision-making. As vaccine hesitancy continues to hinder immunization efforts globally, education-focused strategies may improve vaccine confidence and uptake. This study supports the development of targeted, equity-driven health communication campaigns to reach populations with lower educational attainment and enhance future pandemic preparedness.

Samantha R. Karp is a third-year medical student at Saint James School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the lead author of a multinational cross-sectional study examining the relationship between education level and COVID-19 vaccine willingness. Her research interests include vaccine hesitancy, health communication, and social determinants of health. Samantha is actively involved in student government and is a member of Phi Chi, an international medical fraternity dedicated to fostering leadership and service in medicine. She is fluent in French and values advocacy as a fundamental principle in her approach to healthcare, aiming to empower patients and promote equity in clinical practice. With a strong interest in family medicine, Samantha is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to diverse populations. She hopes to integrate research, advocacy, and public health education into her future career to address barriers to care and reduce health disparities. Her growing contributions to medical research and leadership reflect her dedication to advancing patient-centered care and supporting underserved communities through equitable, evidence-based approaches.