Perspectives and experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in people with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease.
Patient Educ Couns
; 118: 107996, 2024 Jan.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37832345
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
People with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD) are at an increased risk of morbidity from COVID-19. While COVID-19 vaccination is effective at reducing disease complications, there have been significant levels of vaccine hesitancy in people with AIIRD. We aimed to understand vaccine hesitancy and promote shared decision-making by describing the experiences and perspectives of people with AIIRD who had concerns with COVID-19 vaccinations.METHODS:
Adults with AIIRD on immunosuppressive medications who expressed concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination were purposively sampled until thematic saturation. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Sixteen adults with an AIIRD were interviewed. Thematic analysis yielded four themes heightened sense of vulnerability; determining individual suitability; desperate for freedom and relief; deterred by scepticism.CONCLUSIONS:
The perspectives of people with AIIRD towards the COVID-19 vaccination were shaped by a sense of vulnerability. The decision-making experience was challenging, resulting from struggles with handling information, dealing with external pressures, and facing negativity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A collaborative approach, involving close family and friends and avoiding negativity and pressure can improve engagement and support decision-making around COVID-19 vaccination. Clearly addressing potential risks of vaccination may prevent subsequent regret and hesitancy if they arise.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Autoimmune Diseases
/
Rheumatic Diseases
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Patient Educ Couns
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Country of publication: