en Virology Virology پژوهشي orginal article <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Background & Aims</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt">:</span></b> <span style="font-size:9.0pt">COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has severely impacted global public health and economies, including India. Vaccination remains the primary preventive measure against the pandemic. Despite its importance, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier, even among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy for the COVID-19 booster dose among undergraduate medical students in Puducherry. &nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Materials & Methods</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt">:</span></b> <span style="font-size:9.0pt">A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 among undergraduate medical students in Puducherry. A sample of 476 participants was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through an online semi-structured questionnaire based on the WHO SAGE tool, which included socio-demographic details, vaccination history, and perceptions about COVID-19 and vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) was conducted to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and vaccine hesitancy. </span></span></span></span><br> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Results</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt">:</span></b> <span style="font-size:9.0pt">Among the 476 participants, 13.03% were classified as vaccine-hesitant (score < 30). Significant associations were found between vaccine hesitancy and age (<i>p</i> = 0.027), year of study (<i>p</i> = 0.002), religion (<i>p</i> = 0.010), and the presence of comorbidities (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Hesitancy was higher among participants under 20 years of age, in their 4th year of study, and among Christians. Personal or community negative experiences with vaccination, fear of injection pricks, and perceived lack of scientific evidence were major reasons for hesitancy. </span></span></span></span><br> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Conclusion</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt">:</span></b> <span style="font-size:9.0pt">Vaccine hesitancy for the COVID-19 booster dose among undergraduate medical students is influenced by multiple socio-demographic, experiential, and perceptual factors. Addressing these factors through targeted education, engagement with religious leaders, clear communication about vaccine safety and benefits, and supportive interventions at vaccination sites is crucial. These strategies could enhance vaccine uptake and contribute to controlling the pandemic. Further research should explore vaccine hesitancy in diverse populations and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background:#d9d9d9"><span style="line-height:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt"></span></b></span></span></span></span> Booster dose, COVID-19, Vaccine hesitancy, WHO SAGE tool 98 106 http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-427-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Srimadhi Muthaiyan srimadhi1410@gmail.com 10031947532846003910 10031947532846003910 Yes Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai Rajsri Thuthikadu Rajasekaran rsri34@gmail.com 10031947532846003911 10031947532846003911 No Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai Bhuvaneswari Natarajan bhu.fraises@gmail.com 10031947532846003912 10031947532846003912 No sssistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, KK Nagar, Chennai