Statewide evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Rhode Island.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vaccines are effective in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine hesitancy defined as delay of acceptance or refusal of the vaccine is a major barrier to effective implementation.

Methods

Participants were recruited statewide through an English and Spanish social media marketing campaign conducted by a local news station during a one-month period as vaccines were becoming available in Rhode Island (from December 21, 2020 to January 22, 2021). Participants completed an online survey about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy with constructs and items adopted from the Health Belief Model.

Results

A total of 2,007 individuals completed the survey. Eight percent (n = 161) reported vaccine hesitancy. The sample had a median age of 58 years (i

SUBMITTER: Rogers BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9159551 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature