Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination for patients in an inpatient forensic psychiatric hospital

The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients in 2 inpatient forensic psychiatric hospitals.

This was a retrospective chart review evaluating factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination for patients residing in two inpatient forensic psychiatric hospitals between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Data was collected through electronic medical records utilizing MetaCare Enterprise™ and secure facility computer drives, individual patient paper charts, and Missouri's vaccination records database, ShowMeVax. Several variables were collected to assess factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination rates were compared to the influenza vaccination rates at these hospitals.

Overall, 229 patients (84.5%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 during or before the study period and 42 (15.5%) were unvaccinated. Patients who were deemed incompetent to stand trial were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those that had a higher body mass index (BMI), were diagnosed with multiple comorbid conditions, not prescribed involuntary medications, were offered incentives, and received the influenza vaccine were more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Education level, race, sex, age, and being prescribed psychiatric medications did not affect vaccination status.

Patient specific factors should be used when educating and offering COVID-19 vaccines to patients in an inpatient forensic psychiatric unit. Awareness of these results can facilitate targeted interventions for optimal care in a psychiatric population.