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COVID-19 vaccine decision-making in remote Alaska between November 2020 and November 2021
Laura Eichelberger1, Amanda Hansen1, Patricia Cochran2
1Tribal Water Center, Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|August 3, 2023
Summary
Vaccine hesitancy impacts COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study explored vaccine decision-making in remote Alaska, finding trust and personal experiences crucial for acceptance, regardless of initial intention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Vaccine hesitancy presents a significant challenge to achieving widespread COVID-19 vaccination coverage globally.
- While large-scale surveys on vaccine hesitancy are common, in-depth qualitative research exploring vaccine acceptance as a decision-making spectrum is less prevalent.
- Understanding the nuances of vaccine decision-making is critical for developing targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore the spectrum of decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination among adults in remote Alaska.
- To identify factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and acceptance within this specific population.
- To examine the relationship between initial vaccination intention and subsequent vaccine adoption.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining three waves of online surveys with follow-up semi-structured interviews.
- Data collection occurred between November 2020 and November 2021 from 58 adults residing in remote Alaska.
- Analysis focused on understanding individual decision-making processes, information sources, and facilitators of vaccine acceptance.
Main Results:
- Vaccination intention reported in surveys did not accurately predict adoption for 35% of initially unvaccinated participants.
- Over 64% of all interviewees expressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, including 57% of vaccinated individuals.
- Interpersonal interactions (52%) and media sources (50%) were primary information channels; trust in sources (48%) and community experiences (29%) were key acceptance facilitators.
Conclusions:
- Trust in information sources and a sense of personal agency are paramount in vaccine decision-making, irrespective of vaccination status or prior intention.
- Qualitative insights reveal that personal experiences and trusted community networks significantly influence vaccine acceptance.
- Public health strategies should prioritize building trust and empowering individuals within their social contexts to address vaccine hesitancy.
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