A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was conducted with 13,426 participants from 19 countries. The study found that 71.5% of participants would take a proven, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccine, while 48.1% would accept their employer's recommendation to do so. Acceptance rates varied widely, with China showing the highest (88.6%) and Russia the lowest (54.9%). Trust in government information was strongly associated with vaccine acceptance. The study highlights the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy and building public trust. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination services. Concerns about vaccine hesitancy are growing globally, and it is identified as one of the top ten global health threats. Misinformation and anti-vaccination activism are significant obstacles to achieving coverage and community immunity. The survey found that people aged 25–54 and 55–64 were more likely to accept a vaccine than those aged 18–24. Men were slightly less likely to accept vaccines than women. Higher income and education levels were associated with higher vaccine acceptance. Trust in government was strongly linked to vaccine acceptance and willingness to follow employer recommendations. The study also found that acceptance of a vaccine was generally higher than acceptance if it were mandated by an employer. This suggests that voluntary acceptance is more effective than mandatory measures. The findings indicate that public trust and communication strategies are crucial for successful vaccine rollout. The study had limitations, including the snapshot nature of the survey and the dynamic context of the pandemic. Subsequent surveys suggest increased public hesitancy, complicating vaccine communication efforts. The study emphasizes the need for transparent, evidence-based policies and clear communication to build vaccine literacy and confidence. The ongoing pandemic provides an opportunity to improve public health strategies for vaccine acceptance and overall immunization programs.A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was conducted with 13,426 participants from 19 countries. The study found that 71.5% of participants would take a proven, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccine, while 48.1% would accept their employer's recommendation to do so. Acceptance rates varied widely, with China showing the highest (88.6%) and Russia the lowest (54.9%). Trust in government information was strongly associated with vaccine acceptance. The study highlights the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy and building public trust. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination services. Concerns about vaccine hesitancy are growing globally, and it is identified as one of the top ten global health threats. Misinformation and anti-vaccination activism are significant obstacles to achieving coverage and community immunity. The survey found that people aged 25–54 and 55–64 were more likely to accept a vaccine than those aged 18–24. Men were slightly less likely to accept vaccines than women. Higher income and education levels were associated with higher vaccine acceptance. Trust in government was strongly linked to vaccine acceptance and willingness to follow employer recommendations. The study also found that acceptance of a vaccine was generally higher than acceptance if it were mandated by an employer. This suggests that voluntary acceptance is more effective than mandatory measures. The findings indicate that public trust and communication strategies are crucial for successful vaccine rollout. The study had limitations, including the snapshot nature of the survey and the dynamic context of the pandemic. Subsequent surveys suggest increased public hesitancy, complicating vaccine communication efforts. The study emphasizes the need for transparent, evidence-based policies and clear communication to build vaccine literacy and confidence. The ongoing pandemic provides an opportunity to improve public health strategies for vaccine acceptance and overall immunization programs.