Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black and White Individuals in the US

• DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44470
• Publication Date: 2022-01-21T16:38:35Z
• Authors: Tasleem J. Padamsee; Robert M. Bond; Graham N. Dixon; Shelly R. Hovick; Kilhoe Na; Erik C. Nisbet; Duane T. Wegener; R. Kelly Garrett
• Keywords: White (mutation)

<h3>Importance</h3> COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black individuals in the US; however, vaccination rates among trail those other racial groups. This disparity is often attributed to a high level of vaccine hesitancy individuals, but few studies have examined changes over time. <h3>Objectives</h3> To compare between and White US examine mechanisms that might help explain observed differences. <h3>Design, Setting, Participants</h3> survey study used 7 waves data collected using panel design. A total 1200 English-speaking adults were recruited from nonprobability online construct census-matched sample. Participants contacted monthly December 9, 2020, June 16, 2021. <h3>Main Outcomes Measures</h3> The main outcome interest was self-reported intention, measured on 6-point scale (where 1 indicates extremely unlikely 6 likely). Beliefs about safety, effectiveness, necessity vaccines 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores denoting greater agreement. <h3>Results</h3> baseline included participants (693 women [52.0%; weighted]; 921 [64.0%; weighted], 107 [12.2%; weighted mean [SD] age, 49.5 [17.6] years). participation rate 57.0% (1264 2218). had comparable intentions experienced larger increases intention than relative March 2021 (<i>b</i> = 0.666;<i>P</i> &lt; .001), April 0.890;<i>P</i> May 0.695;<i>P</i> 0.709;<i>P</i> .001). belief are necessary for protection also increased more 0.221;<i>P</i> .01) 0.187;<i>P</i> .04). safe effective 0.125;<i>P</i> .001) 0.405;<i>P</i> positively associated intention. There no evidence these associations varied by race. <h3>Conclusions Relevance</h3> suggests be vaccinated initially rapidly. some this increase beliefs vaccine. Vaccination continue lower results suggest less likely result factors.