UNDERSTANDING COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY: REASONS FOR VACCINE REFUSAL FROM PATIENTS EVALUATED IN A FLORIDA ICU

Abstract

TYPE: Abstract TOPIC: Chest Infections PURPOSE: To better understand reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy so as to better target education efforts. METHODS: Consecutive unvaccinated patients evaluated for admission to the Intensive Care Unit due to COVID-19 infection were asked their reason(s) for not being vaccinated. Reasons were categorized and presented along with basic demographic data. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The most common reasons for not getting vaccinated included fear of potential side effects, and the perception that the vaccine was too new. Severity of COVID-19 and access to vaccination were less frequently reported. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The unvaccinated population of COVID-19 patients is by far the number one driver of morbidity and mortality from this disease. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness yet vaccine refussal remains at unacceptably high rates. This study provides a glimpse into the real world reasons why patients in a single community who end up very ill have not gotten vaccinated. Providing education highlighting the safety of the vaccine, including its exceptional track record and wide use, appears to be essential to vaccine acceptance in this cohort. Understanding the reasons individuals decline vaccination on a local level is crucial in targeting education and additional resources. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: COVID-19