10 Feb Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Eastern Pennsylvania

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Kenya Colvin

Kenya Colvin, MBS
Department of Medical Education
Scranton, PA

MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study? 

Response: Vaccine hesitancy is a major driver of COVID-19 vaccination disparities between minority and non-Hispanic White communities. Our goal was to understand what factors influenced vaccine hesitancy among individuals in Eastern Pennsylvania to identify more effective ways to promote vaccine uptake within minority communities.

MedicalResearch.com:  What are the main findings?

Response: We found that the most influential factors on vaccine hesitancy were being younger than 45 years old, identifying as a minority, being concerned the COVID-19 vaccine was ineffective, lack of knowledge about the vaccine, and believing that infection with the COVID-19 virus is not serious. However, unlike similar studies, our analysis indicated that education level was not a significant contributor to hesitancy. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The COVID-19 vaccines are an effective preventive measure in minimizing risk of complications from the continually evolving COVID-19 virus. Understanding why African American and Hispanic communities are more hesitant toward receiving COVID-19 vaccines and boosters is critical to reducing the COVID-19 related health disparities, such as increased risk of death or hospitalization, faced by these communities.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Our study contained a large proportion of vaccine acceptant and non-Hispanic White participants. To better understand the drivers of vaccine hesitancy among minority communities, a more targeted approach should be used to increase participation from vaccine hesitant, minority community members.

Citation:

Colvin et al. Profiles of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy by race and ethnicity in eastern Pennsylvania. PLoS One 2023; 18(2):e0280245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36745588/

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Last Updated on February 10, 2023 by Marie Benz MD FAAD