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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among U.S. Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Transitional Housing

Author

Listed:
  • June L. Gin

    (Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA 91343, USA)

  • Michelle D. Balut

    (Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA 91343, USA)

  • Aram Dobalian

    (Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA 91343, USA
    Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 250 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

Abstract

Little is known about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among individuals experiencing homelessness, despite their higher risk for morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2. This study examines COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and uptake among U.S. military Veterans experiencing homelessness enrolled in transitional housing programs funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Telephone interviews were conducted with 20 Veterans in California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, USA (January–April 2021). A rapid analysis approach was used to identify and enumerate commonly occurring themes. Although 60% of interviewed Veterans either received the COVID-19 vaccine or were willing to do so, one-third expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccination attitudes (e.g., belief that the vaccines were inadequately tested), military experience, beliefs about influenza and other vaccines, and sources of information emerged as influential factors for COVID-19 vaccination uptake or hesitancy. Veterans in VA-funded homeless transitional housing programs are generally willing to be vaccinated. However, a substantial minority is reluctant to take the vaccine due to concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and distrust of authority. Recommendations for increasing uptake include utilizing Veteran peers, homeless service providers, and healthcare providers as trusted messengers to improve confidence in the vaccine.

Suggested Citation

  • June L. Gin & Michelle D. Balut & Aram Dobalian, 2022. "COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among U.S. Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Transitional Housing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15863-:d:987159
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zlotnick, C. & Zerger, S. & Wolfe, P.B., 2013. "Health care for the homeless: What we have learned in the past 30 years and what's next," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 199-205.
    2. Abolfazl Mollalo & Moosa Tatar, 2021. "Spatial Modeling of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Tsai, J. & Kasprow, W.J. & Rosenheck, R.A., 2013. "Latent homeless risk profiles of a national sample of homeless veterans and their relation to program referral and admission patterns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 239-247.
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