Sojati J, Murali A, Pressimone C, Dakroub A. A Cross-Sectional Factor Analysis of COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Decisions in a Racially Diverse Western Pennsylvania Community.
J Prim Care Community Health 2023;
14:21501319231212287. [PMID:
37994782 PMCID:
PMC10668581 DOI:
10.1177/21501319231212287]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates remain suboptimal, demanding new community-centric approaches that improve targeted counseling and increase vaccine uptake. Notably, racially diverse communities show high vaccine hesitancy, yet most existing vaccine studies focus on white, college-educated cohorts.
OBJECTIVE
Here, we identify factors influencing vaccination decisions of patients at Turtle Creek Primary Care clinic in Turtle Creek, PA, a racially-diverse borough.
DESIGN
A retrospective mixed-methods study of the predominantly non-white patient population at Turtle Creek Primary Care clinic, a clinic caring for >70% minority patients.
RESULTS
Fourteen factors emerged that patients reported were crucial to vaccine decision-making. Of these factors, top reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were trust in vaccines, vaccine side effects, perceived vaccine knowledge, and faith/religion. Top reasons for influenza vaccine hesitancy were perceived need, vaccine side effects, trust in vaccines, and habitual behaviors. We also uncovered correlations between vaccine decision factors and sociodemographic factors. Participants > 65-years-old were more likely to cite personal safety in choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, while non-white participants were more likely to cite others' safety. Participants > 65-years-old were also more likely to cite personal safety in influenza vaccine decision-making, and non-female participants were more likely to cite perceived need for influenza vaccines.
CONCLUSIONS
These data uncover targetable factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and aid in developing community-centered, personalized vaccine education approaches in Turtle Creek and analogous minority communities.
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