Rapid Community Assessment in Coastal Georgia: Key Findings and Lessons Learned
Abstract
Communities with a higher proportion of African-American residents have higher COVID-19 prevalence, hospitalization, and mortality rates compared to predominantly White communities. High levels of COVID-19 vaccine mistrust among ethnic and racial minorities have been consistently reported in the literature. We aimed to estimate vaccination rates and trust levels in a predominantly Black/African American sample in three counties in Georgia with low vaccination uptake rates.
Study participants used a self-administered survey to report their perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data were collected from October to November of 2023 via an in-person survey handed out at community events and a Qualtrics survey distributed by partner organizations. Survey questions were adapted from the CDC’s Rapid Community Assessment guidelines on four main domains: COVID-19 vaccination status, thoughts and feelings about the vaccine, social processes, and practical issues.
The majority of our survey respondents were female (76.3%), Black/African American (56.2%), and under 44 years old (59.7%). About 79% of Black/African American respondents reported being vaccinated, compared to only about 53% of White respondents. About 82% of unvaccinated respondents reported that they do not intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The main reason for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine among unvaccinated respondents was “concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines efficacy, safety, and potential side effects”. About one in three Black/African American respondents reported a lack or limited levels of trust in public health agencies (31.9%) compared to three out of five White respondents (62.8%).
High levels of vaccine hesitancy and low levels of COVID-19 infection susceptibility were reported in our sample. It is essential to address community concerns regarding the vaccine efficacy, importance, and side effects in a transparent manner. Ongoing efforts to build trust with community residents and address misconceptions need to be prioritized. Future research needs to examine in-depth factors that impact vaccine hesitancy and decisions regarding vaccination.
Keywords
COVID-19, Vaccination, Vaccine Hesitancy, Rapid Community Assessment
Rapid Community Assessment in Coastal Georgia: Key Findings and Lessons Learned
Communities with a higher proportion of African-American residents have higher COVID-19 prevalence, hospitalization, and mortality rates compared to predominantly White communities. High levels of COVID-19 vaccine mistrust among ethnic and racial minorities have been consistently reported in the literature. We aimed to estimate vaccination rates and trust levels in a predominantly Black/African American sample in three counties in Georgia with low vaccination uptake rates.
Study participants used a self-administered survey to report their perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data were collected from October to November of 2023 via an in-person survey handed out at community events and a Qualtrics survey distributed by partner organizations. Survey questions were adapted from the CDC’s Rapid Community Assessment guidelines on four main domains: COVID-19 vaccination status, thoughts and feelings about the vaccine, social processes, and practical issues.
The majority of our survey respondents were female (76.3%), Black/African American (56.2%), and under 44 years old (59.7%). About 79% of Black/African American respondents reported being vaccinated, compared to only about 53% of White respondents. About 82% of unvaccinated respondents reported that they do not intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The main reason for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine among unvaccinated respondents was “concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines efficacy, safety, and potential side effects”. About one in three Black/African American respondents reported a lack or limited levels of trust in public health agencies (31.9%) compared to three out of five White respondents (62.8%).
High levels of vaccine hesitancy and low levels of COVID-19 infection susceptibility were reported in our sample. It is essential to address community concerns regarding the vaccine efficacy, importance, and side effects in a transparent manner. Ongoing efforts to build trust with community residents and address misconceptions need to be prioritized. Future research needs to examine in-depth factors that impact vaccine hesitancy and decisions regarding vaccination.
