A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of community perceptions of flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Turtle Creek Primary Care Center
Abstract
Background
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccination rates are subpar across the US, especially in racial and/or socioeconomic minority groups who are understudied in public health literature.
Objective
The objective of this study was to elucidate the attitudes of Turtle Creek patients towards flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with the goal of establishing targetable vaccine education gaps and ultimately increasing vaccine uptake in the community.
Design/Patients
This study was conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Authors completed 123 patient phone surveys of patients cared for at the Turtle Creek Primary Care Center inquiring about flu and COVID-19 infection status and vaccination uptake (August 26 - October 10, 2021).
Approach/Key Results
Our data revealed a significant association between COVID-19 and flu vaccine acceptance. Additionally, we found a strong association between vaccine acceptance and age, with older patients being more likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we assessed how flu and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was affected by informational sources participants trusted most. In the COVID-19 models, those who cited “trusting medical professionals” had higher odds of vaccine acceptance while participants who cited “trusting social media” had significantly decreased odds of vaccine acceptance.
Conclusion
Our study revealed significant trends for flu and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance by sociodemographic factors and trust in the medical system. Using these data, we can create future interventions to overcome vaccine hesitancy.
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