Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented those with experience of psychosis with a number of additional challenges. In the present study, we extend previous literature on this subject to explore experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in those with psychosis or schizophrenia. We analysed 38 posts from three popular Reddit sites for individuals with experiences of psychosis and schizophrenia. We employed reflexive, inductive thematic analysis and identified the following two themes: (i) facilitators for COVID-19 vaccination uptake, and (ii) barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. The facilitators consisted of (i) trust in science/fact-checking, (ii) fear of the virus/vulnerable status/personal experience, (iii) help from trusted people, (iv) others becoming vaccinated, (v) rationalising fears/paranoia, and (vi) moral decision/contact with vulnerable people. The barriers consisted of (i) lack of trust (in doctors, government, science), (ii) psychosis about things inserted into the body/fear of adverse reactions, and (iii) and increased paranoia because of the coercive tone of discussions around the vaccination. It is clear that public health guidance can be problematic for individuals who have lived experience of psychosis. We recommend employing experts by experience in the design of public health campaigns that aim to reduce the fear around COVID-19 vaccinations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
