Smokers’ Willingness to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Key Factors Associated with Their Views on Getting the Vaccine
Abstract
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 is a respiratory condition affecting the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe. Studies have identified groups disproportionately impacted by the virus, including individuals that smoke. The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Given the level of risk of severe disease and death among smokers, it is important to better understand views of this population about COVID-19 vaccination.
PURPOSE AND METHODS
As part of a study on how COVID-19 influenced smoking behaviors we assessed smokers’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and factors associated with their attitudes toward vaccination. We conducted qualitative interviews with smokers from rural South Georgia communities (N=24). Since health disparities affect rural Georgia communities and higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death are documented in these areas, this sample included people with two overlapping risk factors. Interviews addressed the role of social influences, community norms, and barriers and facilitators affecting vaccination.
FINDINGS
Family members were mentioned most often as encouraging or discouraging vaccination. Ease of getting a vaccination appointment was most often identified as a facilitator. The majority of respondents said protecting their own and their families’ health was an important factor in their decision to get vaccinated, but very few mentioned their increased risk due to smoking.
IMPLICATIONS
The importance of easy access to the vaccine has implications for vaccine availability in rural areas. In addition, since few respondents identified increased risk due to smoking as a motivation for getting the vaccine, it is important to continue to focus efforts on education about smoking as a serious risk factor associated with infection.
Understanding the salient issues around vaccine acceptance among smokers in rural communities can guide the development of strategies to increase vaccination rates and lessen the impact of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.
Keywords
COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, rural, smoking, smokers, vaccine barriers and facilitators, vulnerable populations
Smokers’ Willingness to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Key Factors Associated with Their Views on Getting the Vaccine
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 is a respiratory condition affecting the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe. Studies have identified groups disproportionately impacted by the virus, including individuals that smoke. The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Given the level of risk of severe disease and death among smokers, it is important to better understand views of this population about COVID-19 vaccination.
PURPOSE AND METHODS
As part of a study on how COVID-19 influenced smoking behaviors we assessed smokers’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and factors associated with their attitudes toward vaccination. We conducted qualitative interviews with smokers from rural South Georgia communities (N=24). Since health disparities affect rural Georgia communities and higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death are documented in these areas, this sample included people with two overlapping risk factors. Interviews addressed the role of social influences, community norms, and barriers and facilitators affecting vaccination.
FINDINGS
Family members were mentioned most often as encouraging or discouraging vaccination. Ease of getting a vaccination appointment was most often identified as a facilitator. The majority of respondents said protecting their own and their families’ health was an important factor in their decision to get vaccinated, but very few mentioned their increased risk due to smoking.
IMPLICATIONS
The importance of easy access to the vaccine has implications for vaccine availability in rural areas. In addition, since few respondents identified increased risk due to smoking as a motivation for getting the vaccine, it is important to continue to focus efforts on education about smoking as a serious risk factor associated with infection.
Understanding the salient issues around vaccine acceptance among smokers in rural communities can guide the development of strategies to increase vaccination rates and lessen the impact of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.
