Exploring COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at a rural historically black college and university

Objectives: Minorities have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) yet have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine rate. Vaccine hesitancy has been reported at higher rates in African Americans (AAs) and young adults. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, determine the rationale for receiving or declining the COVID-19 vaccine, and propose strategies to address confidence in faculty, staff, and students at a rural historically black college and university (HBCU). Methods: A study was conducted using an electronic survey administered to a convenient sample of 210 faculty, students, and staff at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an HBCU in a rural community. Results: Most participants were 18 to 24 years old (69%), college students (73.89%), AA (70%), and identified as a woman (70%). Notably, 87% of participants were nonhesitant (received one dose or intended to be vaccinated). Approximately 54% had already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Only 13% of participants were hesitant and did not plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common rationale for vaccine hesitancy was mistrust of the health care system or government toward AAs. Conclusion: The results show that vaccine hesitancy was low in the predominantly youngadult AA population at a rural HBCU. However, opportunities exist for pharmacists and other accessible health care professionals to contribute to efforts aimed at decreasing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine confidence. (C) 2022 American Pharmacists Association (R). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that vaccine hesitancy was low among a predominantly young African American population at a rural historically black college and university (HBCU), but there are still opportunities to decrease vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence.