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. 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.Methods: 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).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.