Profiles of US Hispanics Unvaccinated for COVID-19

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Hispanics in the US with increased rates of SARS-Cov2 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The objective of this report was to characterize the demographics and beliefs of unvaccinated Hispanics to help address their concerns that lead to vaccine hesitancy.MethodsOf 1,011 potential participants from a national online panel, 22.3% (N=225, 51.6% female, age = 40.5) met inclusion criteria of Hispanic adults and not receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 30-item survey included items about demographics, political affiliations, sources of news (e.g., Fox vs. CNN), reasons for being unvaccinated, and ratings (0 = strongly disagree, 100 = strongly agree) of 10 controversial statements regarding COVID-19.ResultsOver three-fifths (62.6%) identified side effects and safety concerns while almost one-third (30.5%) a lack of efficacy as their top reasons for being unvaccinated. Agreement to “The developers of the COVID-19 vaccine rushed the development and cut-corners” was rated highest (63.22) which was significantly (p < .001) higher than the other nine statements (e.g., “The COVID-19 vaccine does not work”). Many vaccine attitudes differed significantly by political party affiliation and some by gender and news source. Republicans (59.9 ± 4.2) scored higher than Democrats (38.5 ± 4.2, p ≤ .001) to “If I’ve already had COVID-19, I don’t need the vaccine.”ConclusionsThis study identified heterogeneity in COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among Hispanics. Further research is needed to determine if the subgroups identified are differentially receptive to interventions to facilitate reconsideration of prior vaccination decisions.