Table 3 Thematic map including the identified main and submotives underlying vaccine hesitancy

Theme 1: Unnecessary vaccines (n = 17)

1.1 Covid-19 in general not dangerous

«(…) Just the concept of walking around being afraid of a cold/flu is absurd» (#35, Woman, 34 years)

12

1.2 Perceiving oneself as not personally being at risk

«The recommendations for taking the vaccine are based on the average Norwegian. I am younger than the average and much more fit (…)» (#48, woman, 33 years)

9

Theme 2: Inefficient vaccines (n = 19)

2.1 Does not offer much protection

«It doesn’t seem like the vaccine has such a good effect, and mutations haven’t been taken into account, as evidenced by the new lockdown.» (#1, man, 20 years)

11

2.2 Does not hinder transmission

«A vaccine that doesn’t help against transmission, it’s too early to say anything about side-effects.» (#14, woman, 45 years)

7

2.3 Disqualifying these as real vaccines

«These are NOT vaccines. A vaccine gives immunity and hinders transferal. What is being injected into people does neither and it is misleading people to call it vaccine.» (#13, woman, 50 years)

4

Theme 3: Frightening vaccines (n = 32)

3.1 Fear of side-effects

«I’m skeptical about long-term side-effects that may arise.» (#36, woman, 33 years)

26

3.2 Fear of not getting healthcare follow-up if needed

«I don’t have confidence that I’ll receive help from the healthcare system if I experience vaccine side-effects, and I consider it likely that I will get side-effects.» (#43, woman, 26 years)

3

3.3 Vaccine approvals too quick

«I’m skeptical to that the vaccine had not been tested but was approved without further evaluation.» (#9, woman, 45 years)

8

Theme 4: Distrust and polarization (n = 18)

4.1 Authorities’ vaccine handling

«I’m losing trust in everything politicians say because I know they withhold information when looking at what’s happening abroad.» (#31, woman, 40 years)

10

4.2 Pharmaceutical industry

« (…) It’s especially bad that this is one of the most lucrative things for pharmaceutical companies.» (#38, woman, 32 years)

3

4.3 Mainstream media’s vaccine presentation

«I read other sources than VG and Dagbladet [mainstream media] and see how many injuries this so-called ‘vaccine’ is causing people.” (#5) (woman, 22 years)

7

4.4 Portrayal of the unvaccinated

«Public shaming of the unvaccinated leads to a greater degree of reluctance.» (#40, man, 64 years)

6

Theme 5: Alternatives to getting vaccinated (n = 15)

5.1 Natural immunity

«Natural immunity has always been the only realistic way out of the pandemic phase.» (#4, woman, 46 years)

4

5.2 The course of nature

«In the animal world, disease and infection occur when there are too many in the herd, and nature’s way is to sort it out on its own (…). If it’s meant that my time has come, it will come.» (#8, man, 64 years)

5

5.3 Own health measures

«I want to belong to the control group, emphasizing a strong immune system (vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc).» (#40, man, 64 years)

2

5.4 Avoid infections

«I easily have the opportunity to choose or avoid places where the infection is highest.» (#44) (Woman, 66 years)

3

5.5 Avoidance as easier than taking a stance

«I can’t deal with all the ‘nagging’; the more ‘hassle’ there is around me, the less I can handle it. So for me, it’s easiest (least psychologically painful) to just do nothing.» (#2, woman, 32 years)

2

Theme 6: Reasons related to vaccines in general (n = 12)

6.1 Fear of needles

«I have a fear of needles and don’t dare to get vaccinated.» (#6, woman, 36 years)

4

6.2 Aversion related to own underlying disease

«It’s related to eating disorder issues. I can’t handle putting something into my body that I can’t control.» (#34, woman, years anonymized)

4

6.3 Negative experiences with previous vaccination

«I have experienced poor health after the swine flu vaccine, I’m afraid, and don’t want to risk worse health due to another vaccine.» (#50, woman, years anonymized)

4