  With a country-wide comprehensive internet survey conducted in India, we aim
to determine the factors that drive hesitancy towards getting vaccinated for
COVID-19, and also compare their levels of influence. The perceived reliability
and effectiveness of available vaccines turn out to be important drivers in
lowering vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, higher hesitancy is associated with
being of a younger age or having lower education. Furthermore, comparing
vaccine attitudes from observations before a major COVID-19 wave with those
from after, we find that the latter are significantly less hesitant about
getting the vaccine. We also find that in addition to the standard knowledge
and awareness campaigns, local level peer influences are important factors that
affect vaccine hesitancy. Finally, we use statistically significant estimates
from logistic regression on our survey data in a synthetic heterogeneous
complex network-based society, to extrapolate scenarios that may arise from the
dynamic interactions between our variables of interest. We use outcomes from
this simulated society to suggest strategic interventions that may lower
vaccine hesitancy.
