Differences in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and trusted sources of information among a large sample of Chicagoans

Abstract

Abstract Evidence shows that vaccine hesitancy is associated with lower rates of vaccine uptake. Vaccine hesitancy is driven by many factors related to individual belief and experience, and has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance data shows there has been lower vaccine uptake within Black and Brown communities across the United States, which can lead to increased transmission and costs to the community. This study analyzed data from a pulse survey disseminated across Chicagoland to collect data on perceptions of COVID-19 and vaccination. Responses related to vaccine status, attitudes and beliefs, trusted sources, and sociodemographic characteristics were examined. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to characterize the sample and examine unadjusted relationships. Multivariate regression was used to estimate factors associated with vaccination. Respondents (n = 1430) were primarily female (67.3%), over 30 (69.7%), and Hispanic/Latino (38.5%) or non-Hispanic Black (38.3%). Most respondents were vaccinated (84.8%) at the time of the survey. Compared to unvaccinated participants, vaccinated participants were less likely to believe that the vaccine was developed too quickly (45% and 56%, respectively). Respondents reported high levels of trust in their doctors, pharmacists, and in the Centers for Disease Control (79.7%, 74.0%, and 72.9%, respectively). Participants believing that the vaccine is safe and effective were more likely to have received the vaccine (OR = 14.0 and 11.74, respectively). Beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge around COVID-19 vaccination is significantly associated with vaccine uptake. These findings are particularly important in minoritized communities where low vaccine uptake has had adverse health outcomes.