Hesitant or Confident: A Qualitative Study Examining Latinos’ Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines in Arizona

Abstract

This study aimed to understand vaccine hesitancy and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccines among Latino adults in Arizona. Latinos ( n = 71) aged 18 years or older who resided in Arizona participated in 14 focus groups between February and June 2021. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to examine drivers of these two behaviors, namely, vaccine hesitancy and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccines, using the COM-B model, comprising capability, opportunity, and motivation factors that generate a behavior. Vaccine hesitancy stemmed from the need for vaccine information (capability factor) and fear of the vaccines, religious beliefs, and perceived barriers stemming from government mistrust (motivation factors). Vaccine confidence arose from trust in science and doctors (capability factor), and a fear of getting sick, protection against COVID-19, getting vaccinated as a civic duty, and a desire to return to normal life (motivation factors). The influence of opportunity factors, such as having access to vaccinations, were not discussed as contributing to vaccine confidence or hesitancy. As predicted by the COM-B model, factors reflecting capabilities and motivations contributed to vaccine hesitancy and confidence, all of which need to be considered in public health messaging. These factors can be targeted to facilitate efforts to promote vaccine uptake and reduce the spread of COVID-19.