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27-02-2023 | COVID-19 Vaccination | Original Article

A qualitative study exploring attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 booster vaccine in minority ethnic individuals in North East England

Authors: Judith Eberhardt, John Kabuye, Jonathan Ling

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Objectives

COVID-19 booster vaccine uptake among minority ethnic individuals in the United Kingdom has been lower than in the general population. This is the case not only for the first and second dose of the vaccine, but particularly for the booster dose. However, little research has examined psychosocial factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in minority ethnic individuals. This study conducted a qualitative exploration, informed by Protection Motivation Theory, of attitudes towards and perceptions of the COVID-19 booster vaccination among ethnic minority individuals in North East England.

Design

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 ethnic minority individuals (11 females, five males) aged between 27 and 57, residing in North East England.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis showed that perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 influenced vaccination decisions. Perceived response costs acted as barriers to COVID-19 booster vaccination among interviewees, in the form of time constraints and a perceived lack of practical support in the event of experiencing side effects from the vaccine. There was a lack of confidence in the vaccine, with individuals seeing it as lacking sufficient research. Participants also spoke of medical mistrust due to historical events involving medical experimentation on minority ethnic individuals. Interviewees suggested involving community leaders in addressing people’s concerns, misassumptions, and lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusion

Campaigns to increase COVID-19 booster vaccine uptake need to be designed to address physical barriers towards vaccination, misconceptions, and a lack of confidence in the vaccine. Further research needs to determine the effectiveness of enlisting community leaders in these efforts.

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Title: A qualitative study exploring attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 booster vaccine in minority ethnic individuals in North East England
Authors: Judith Eberhardt
John Kabuye
Jonathan Ling
Publication date: 27-02-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination
COVID-19
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-023-01858-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A qualitative study exploring attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 booster vaccine in minority ethnic individuals in North East England

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Results

Conclusion

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