Understanding the Influenza Vaccine Knowledge, Barriers, and Trust in the Hispanic Community of Metro Detroit

Mistrust and barriers to influenza vaccination are well-documented in the literature. Underserved populations, including the Hispanic community, experience social determinants of health that exacerbate their health outcomes, including for common preventable illnesses such as influenza (flu). There is currently a gap in the literature regarding the knowledge, barriers to access, and trust of the Hispanic community regarding the influenza vaccine. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, barriers to access, and trust regarding the influenza vaccine among Hispanic individuals in Metro Detroit. We administered a descriptive, mixed quantitative and qualitative survey, including predominantly Likert-style statements, to nearly 120 Hispanic individuals in Metro Detroit during the influenza seasons of 2023 and 2024 at our clinic and in public community spaces to assess these three domains. We also gathered information regarding demographics and previous vaccination history. These surveys were completed both via interviewer-administered and self-reported formats. For analysis, Likert-type items were collapsed, Chi-squared tests were performed, and the significance threshold was set at p <0.05. Findings included average knowledge of the vaccine, as 34% of individuals agreed they did not need the flu vaccine if they got it the prior year, while 44% of individuals disagreed. Trust in the vaccine was high, as 67% of respondents felt government influenza vaccination programs were trustworthy. Few overall barriers to vaccination were reported, as insurance was only reported by 19% as a barrier, while time was cited as the most common self-reported barrier by 51% of respondents. Subgroup analysis showed that, on average, males and younger individuals were less likely to trust influenza vaccines. Further research is needed to address time-related barriers and increase vaccine knowledge and trust through community initiatives. Such efforts will lead to improved vaccination rates and influenza outcomes for all Hispanic individuals.