Influence of Community Determinants on Barriers and Facilitators to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: Regional Stakeholders' Perspectives.

ABSTRACT

Our study objective was to explore possible pathways by which neighborhood-level characteristics drive COVID-19 vaccination among communities experiencing health inequity and disparities. To do so, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with stakeholders in the Finger Lakes region of New York between November 2022 through January 2023. Using a pre-developed interview guide informed by the Health Belief Model, we elicited county health commissioner, medical professional and community-health partner's perspectives regarding the impact community determinants have on shaping barriers to and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, as well as recommended solutions for ensuring health equity in future vaccination efforts. Fifteen stakeholders were interviewed, of which 40% were county health commissioners, 27% hospital executives and 33% community-health organization partners. We identified diverse perceived and logistical barriers to COVID-19 vaccination that emerged as sub-themes including perceived risks outweighing the benefits of vaccination, concerns of vaccine safety, distrust stemming from changing scientific knowledge surrounding the vaccines, mistrust of the medical system, and challenges with transportation to and registering for vaccine appointments. Stakeholders reported these barriers were linked to the racial diversity, poverty, political conservatism, and availability of health care of the communities where they reported these were experienced. Notable solutions for improving equitable vaccination included facilitating structural access to vaccination and engaging community trusted messengers. Perceived and experienced barriers to COVID-19 vaccination may differ based upon the social, racial and economic composition of neighboring communities. Strategies for ensuring health equity in future vaccination campaigns should specifically target prevalent barriers based upon the community composition.