Journal Article

162 Attitudes Toward the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in BIPOC Populations in Los Angeles County

Melgoza, Esmeralda, Ahn, Taemin, Huynh, James, Melendrez-Gomez, Delia, Nadurata, Edward, Jacinto, Corey, Huynh, Johnny

2022

Overview

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our research has three main aims: 1. Measure attitudes toward a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among BIPOC. 2. Assess the effectiveness of race-conscious public health messages in changing attitudes toward a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. 3. Test the efficacy of financial incentives to increase uptake of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We surveyed 784 unvaccinated residents of L.A. County. To recruit participants, we collaborated with Qualtrics. The survey randomized participants to one of three public health messages, as well as one of two financial compensation schemes. Twenty-five participants completed semi-structured interviews via Zoom or telephone. Interviews were audio recorded, translated into English if needed, and transcribed. The inductive, semi-structured interview guide focused on three domains: i) concerns and distrust toward a COVID vaccine, ii) policy interventions and/or government action related to a COVID vaccine, iii) non-pharmacological policy interventions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Major emergent themes were identified and analyzed using Watkins (2012) team analysis of qualitative data steps. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Many BIPOC remain vaccine hesitant: 2/3 of the survey respondents stated that they did not intend to or were not sure if they planned to get vaccinated. Follow-up interviews show that fear of vaccine side effects, bodily autonomy in choosing to get vaccinated are major concerns. However, public health measures like masking and physical distancing remain preferred safety methods for BIPOC residents. Misinformation and overcommunication in public health messaging concerning vaccine eligibility may be a major barrier to vaccine uptake among BIPOC. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Real world financial compensation mechanisms need to provide large enough compensation to avoid a crowding out of altruistic vaccination motivations and to effectively incentivize increased vaccine uptake. Additionally, short race-conscious public health messages were ineffective at improving vaccine attitudes.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Attitudes / Autonomy / Community Engagement / Compensation / COVID-19 / COVID-19 vaccines / Health Equity and Community Engagement / Minority & ethnic groups / Population studies / Public health / Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 / Vaccination / Vaccines