Comorbidities and confusion: addressing COVID-19 vaccine access and information challenges

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunisation Policy
• Health Communication

Background:

• Individuals with chronic and immunocompromising conditions are at higher risk for severe outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• Australian authorities prioritized vaccination for these individuals, including them in Phase 1b of the rollout starting March 22, 2021.
• Rapidly evolving scientific knowledge and public health advice necessitated clear communication regarding vaccine eligibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the understanding of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility among individuals with comorbidities in Western Australia.
• To identify information sources utilized by this population.
• To explore their experiences with the vaccination program.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods project, Coronavax, involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight West Australians under 60 with relevant comorbidities.
• Interviews were conducted between January and April 2022, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive methods in NVivo 20.
• Participant accounts of government actions were validated through in-person and written correspondence.

Main Results:

• Significant access and informational barriers were identified among West Australians with comorbidities regarding vaccine eligibility.
• A lack of understanding about their specific place in the vaccination program was prevalent.
• This group received insufficient information to navigate the evolving vaccination landscape and its policy implications.

Conclusions:

• Rapidly changing vaccine knowledge presents communication challenges for governments and health professionals.
• There is an urgent need to develop, pilot, and evaluate effective strategies for disseminating vaccination information.
• Improved communication is crucial for both routine immunisation and pandemic preparedness.