COVID 19 Variant Infections and Vaccine Hesitency
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Melissa Cruz
CoPIs:
Jenna Karcher , Quincy Gaillard , Andrea Mesa, Sarat Busari
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Norma Bowe
Abstract:
Vaccine hesitancy was a growing concern among public health officials even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals expressed many concerns about some of the mandated vaccinations. This only grew more when informed about the COVID Mandates. Some determinants for hesitancy were identified by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in April 2021 and included lack confidence in the vaccine, lack of trust of the public health system, need for convenience, complacency, risk calculation, and collective responsibility. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the major reasons for community spread of COVID-19 variant infections.
This survey research was conducted to increase understanding of vaccine hesitancy and to develop educational interventions to target misinformation and myths about the vaccine. Educational materials included information on Moderna, Pfizer, Pediatric Pfizer and Janssen Vaccines. Additional survey data was collected to determine infection status and correlation of illness with COVID-19 and if this increased likelihood of receiving vaccinations. Barrier data was also collected and analyzed.