Abstract
Background: Within the Deep South, vaccine ratings fall between 48.5-58% of the state’s population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Therefore, half of the population is at risk for the negative mortality and morbidity outcomes associated with COVID-19.Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe key influencers for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals living within the Deep South region of the US.Methods: A descriptive, secondary analysis of quantitative data was conducted from an online survey entitled COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Survey. A total of 421 participants identified as living in the Deep South, were ≥ 18 years of age, and English speaking and thus were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics and mean frequency scores were calculated.Results: The highest means were identified among the social responsibility influencers for participants regardless of gender, race, or age. Healthcare influencers, particularly the option of a doctor, healthcare provider, nurse, also positively influenced male and female participants who were ≥25 years old. Public figure influencers had little to no influence on the overall sample.Conclusions: With the current pandemic impacting those who are unvaccinated, an increase in targeted strategies and interventions to increase vaccine acceptance in the Deep South is warranted.
Recommended Citation
Hall, K. C.,
Duck, A.,
&
Price, T.
(2022). Influencers of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in the Deep South.
Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 3(1), 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1023