Knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccination: a survey.

Abstract

To assess Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, and their attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Web-based survey. Australia (excluding the Northern Territory), 1 October 2021 to 31 May 2022. Convenience sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years or older living in Australia. Proportions of respondents who reported knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, and attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. A total of 530 people provided valid survey responses; their median age was 27 years (interquartile range, 23-38 years), 255 (48%) were from urban areas, and 309 (58%) were men. Of the 480 participants (91%) who provided complete survey questions (including sex and location information), larger proportion of men than women believed COVID-19 vaccines were very or extremely trustworthy (219, 79% v 124, 61%) and very or extremely effective (212, 76% v 138, 68%). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination was lower among respondents aged 60 years or older than among those aged 16-29 years (adjusted prevalence ration [PR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.99). After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, the association between intention to receive the influenza vaccine and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was statistically significant (adjusted PR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.27). The high levels of trust in COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness indicate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are confident about their safety and efficacy and understand the importance of vaccination. The findings also highlight a positive attitude to vaccination and a commitment to preventive health measures among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.