Reasons for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Patients Listed for Solid Organ Transplants

Abstract

IntroductionPatients listed for solid organ transplants (LSOTP) are at high-risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Despite national guidelines recommending COVID-19 vaccination for LSOTP, vaccine hesitancy and underutilization are reported in this population; however, reasons for this have not been thoroughly examined. MethodsThis single-center retrospective survey analysis aimed to characterize reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 110 heart, liver, and kidney LSOTP patients who had not received all recommended vaccine doses at the time of the study. Survey questions also investigated experiences with influenza vaccination. ResultsFifty-four (49.1%) patients responded to the telephone survey. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were perceived lack of research in vaccine development (31%), fear of vaccine-related side effects (22%), and belief that the vaccine was unnecessary (20%). 35% of respondents reported changing their vaccine perception after being listed for a transplant, most commonly attributing this to a perception that the COVID-19 vaccine is not safe for transplant patients (32%). Gender differences in hesitancy reasons were observed, with males more likely to delay vaccination until post-transplantation, although this difference was non-significant (p=0.07). Despite these findings, 54% of all respondents reported consistently receiving annual influenza vaccines. ConclusionDespite their risk, LSOTP show significant hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines due to perceived safety and necessity issues. The results of this study can inform targeted educational efforts to address and rectify misconceptions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccination among LSOTP. Future studies focused on larger, diverse cohorts are needed to expand our understanding of and address vaccination hesitancy among this vulnerable patient population.