Identifying Emerging Drivers and Interventions to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy Among Long-term Care Facility Nursing Staff


  • Abstract

    Study Objective

    The study aimed to explore and identify key drivers of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) employed at long-term care (LTC) facilities within selected U.S. states. It also sought to determine which interventions, policies, and programs were most effective in reducing HCW vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 and influenza.

    Study Design and Methods

    The study team completed a mixed methods study. A secondary analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was conducted to identify states for our sampling frame based on influenza vaccination coverage and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed, including survey research and focus groups. HCWs from LTC facilities (i.e., skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes) were recruited to participate in a survey based on our state sampling frame. Administration and nursing management from participating facilities were recruited to focus groups.

    Results

    Survey results (N = 199 from 23 facilities) showed that vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in LTC is a complex issue influenced by several factors, such as lack of knowledge, misinformation, and doubts about vaccine safety, efficacy, risks, and benefits. Qualitative focus groups (N = 25 from 15 facilities) revealed a spectrum of vaccine hesitancy, ranging from acceptance (i.e., willingness to take the vaccine and confidence in it) to outright refusal. The survey and focus groups identified effective interventions to reduce HCW vaccine hesitancy, including educational campaigns, onsite vaccination, and vaccine recommendations from trusted nursing staff.

    Discussion and Implications

    This study provides important insights into addressing vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in LTC facilities and highlights the moral and ethical responsibility for targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake in the healthcare sector.

    Five Keywords

    COVID vaccine. Influenza vaccine, Healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy, Long-term Care Facilities


  • Authors:

    Mokdad A, Frogner BK, Brumbaugh KQ, Kaplan L, Ma K, Rios Casas F, McCoy T, Bello B

  • Journal/Publisher:

    Population Health Initiative, University of Washington

  • Edition:

    May 2024.

  • Funder:

    Merck & Co, Inc.

  • Link to Article

    Access the article here: Population Health Initiative, University of Washington

  • Citation:

    Mokdad A, Frogner BK, Brumbaugh KQ, Kaplan L, Ma K, Rios Casas F, McCoy T, Bello B. Identifying Emerging Drivers and Interventions to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy Among Long-term Care Facility Nursing Staff. Population Health Initiative, University of Washington. May 2024

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