Abstract
Background: Public health officials anticipate severe health outcomes amidst the circulation of two major viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza. This study investigated intent to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza, and sought to identify attitudes towards vaccines and barriers for vaccine acceptance. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Louisiana State University Medicine Clinic from September 2020 to December 2020. Intent to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 and influenza virus was assessed through a brief questionnaire. Additionally, hesitancy and attitudes regarding vaccines were ascertained using validated 5-point Likert scales. In total, 280 patients completed the questionnaire. Results: A total of 248 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall 167 (67%, 95% CI = 61.1-73.0%) of patients were unsure or did not intend to be vaccinated against COVID-19, while only 19.3% (95% CI = 14.4-24.5%) were unsure or did not intend to be vaccinated against the influenza vaccine. Reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy included concern regarding side effects, fear of getting sick from the vaccine, and the absence of vaccine recommendations from their doctor. Concerningly, African American patients demonstrated decreased likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This survey revealed that only 1 in 3 adults intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19, while 8 out of 10 adults intended to receive the influenza vaccine. Patients who intended on getting the COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to be African American. Given the degree of hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccination, a multifaceted approach to facilitate vaccine uptake that includes vaccine education, behavioral change strategies, and health promotion, is paramount.
Highlights
COVID-19, the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide and has been declared a pandemic with over 75 million people infected and 1.7 million related deaths.[1]
One email survey (n=316) reported that nearly 68% of participants indicated a positive likelihood of intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19.15 a cross sectional survey (n=991) of U.S participants taken in April of 2020 reported that over half (57.6%) intended to get vaccinated against COVID-19.16 The results of these studies may differ from our study because the majority of participants in these prior studies were white (63.27% and 63.3% respectively) and white communities have typically demonstrated greater vaccine uptake compared to other racial/ethnic groups
In conclusion, we found that majority of participants (67%) in the survey conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic would be hesitant to accept vaccination against COVID-19, while most (81%) still intend to receive the influenza vaccine
Summary
COVID-19, the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide and has been declared a pandemic with over 75 million people infected and 1.7 million related deaths.[1]. A COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective long-term method to controlling the pandemic.[2] Global research efforts have led to rapid development of a new vaccine using messenger RNA (mRNA). Both the Pfizer (n=43 538) and Moderna (n=30 350) COVID-19 vaccine trials reported at least 94-95% vaccine efficacy and have begun distribution.[3,4]. In launching the new COVID-19 vaccines, public health officials advise of the potential for co-circulation and co-infection with both SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus as “flu season” is underway.[5] As such, influenza vaccine administration remains a critical step to reducing the severity of acute respiratory illnesses and preventing. Given the degree of hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccination, a multifaceted approach to facilitate vaccine uptake that includes vaccine education, behavioral change strategies, and health promotion, is paramount
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