COVID‐19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Patients in Two Urban Emergency Departments

Abstract

Abstract Background Widespread vaccination is an essential component of the public health response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet vaccine hesitancy remains pervasive. This prospective survey investigation aimed to measure the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in a patient cohort at two urban Emergency Departments (EDs) and characterize underlying factors contributing to hesitancy. Methods Adult ED patients with stable clinical status (Emergency Severity Index 3‐5) and without active COVID‐19 disease or altered mental status were considered for participation. Demographic elements were collected, as well as reported barriers/concerns related to vaccination and trusted sources of health information. Data were collected in‐person via a survey instrument proctored by trained research assistants. Results 1,555 patients were approached, and 1,068 patients completed surveys (completion rate 68.7%). Mean age was 44.1 y (SD 15.5, range 18‐93), 61% were female, and 70% were Black. 31.6% of ED patients reported vaccine hesitancy. Of note, 19.7% of the hesitant cohort were healthcare workers. In multivariable regression analysis, Black race (OR 4.24, 95%CI 2.62‐6.85) and younger age (age 18‐24 y, OR 4.57, 95%CI 2.66‐7.86; age 25‐35 y, OR 5.71, 95% CI 3.71‐8.81) were independently associated with hesitancy, to a greater degree than level of education (high school education or less, OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.23‐4.19). Hesitant patients were significantly less likely to trust governmental sources of vaccine information than non‐hesitant patients (39.6% vs 78.9%, p<0.001); less difference was noted in the domain of trust towards friends/family (51.1% vs. 61.0%, p=0.004). Hesitant patients also reported perceived vaccine safety concerns and perceived insufficient research. Conclusions Vaccine hesitancy is common among ED patients, and more common among Black and younger patients, independent of education level. Hesitant patients report perceived safety concerns and low trust in government information sources, but less so friends or family. This suggests strategies to combat hesitancy may need tailoring to specific populations.