Motivations for Vaccine Hesitancy Among EMS Providers in the United States who Declined the COVID-19 Vaccine

Abstract

Background: Hesitancy towards the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has been a topic of considerable concern in recent months. Studies have reported hesitancy within the general population and specific facets of the health care system. Little evidence has been published about vaccine hesitancy among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers despite them having played a frontline role throughout the pandemic. Methods: A 27-question survey examining vaccination decisions and potential influencing factors among EMS providers was created and disseminated. Responses from providers who declined a COVID-19 vaccine were compared with responses from providers who did not decline a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Across 166 respondents, 16% reported declining a COVID-19 vaccine. Providers who self-identified as men, providers who reported conservative or conservative-leaning beliefs, and providers surrounded by environments where the vaccine was discussed negatively or not encouraged are significantly more likely to decline a vaccine (P <.01). Providers who have declined a vaccine reported significantly greater levels of concern about its safety, effectiveness, and development (P <.01). Conclusion: This study answers key questions about why some EMS providers might be declining COVID-19 vaccinations. Initiatives to improve vaccination among EMS providers should focus on the areas highlighted, and further studies should continue to examine vaccine hesitancy among EMS providers as well as in other populations.

COVID-19 Booster Uptake among First Responders and Their Household Members May Be Lower than Anticipated

“…Unfortunately, significant hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccinations among the emergency medical services (EMS) profession has been shown prior to and after the release of the vaccine [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Some of the drivers for these decisions focus on first responders’ lack of confidence in the safety and rapid development of the vaccines, their perceived risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection, and a general distrust of medical care system [ 7 , 8 ].…”