Reducing SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Hesitancy in a Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase SARS-CoV-2 vaccination confidence and knowledge in adults who display reluctance or hesitancy through a brief educational discussion and a written pamphlet. Background: In recent history, the world was faced with an unprecedented challenge as a pandemic quickly encompassed the globe. In early 2020, this became commonly known and referred to as the COVID-19 pandemic. The severe health implications of this respiratory virus quickly overfilled hospitals and placed the health of communities at risk. To get ahead of further spread of COVID-19, it was pertinent to quickly develop an effective vaccine. Following rigorous clinical trials, two mRNA vaccines were approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What seemed like a solution became a challenge within the US. The population of the US showed reluctance to participate in COVID-19 vaccination programs. Vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines prolonged communities achieving adequate herd immunity. Understanding why individuals were displaying vaccine hesitancy was pertinent for implementing strategies that would lead to increased mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compliance. Methods: Participants were recruited from Peak Family Practice in Colorado Springs, CO. A pre-survey was administered followed by a short one-on-one educational session reviewing a written pamphlet about mRNA vaccines and common misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines. A post-survey was administered after the educational intervention. Each survey had the same five questions and assessed participant knowledge and confidence related to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Results: A total of 20 participants completed the pre- and post-survey responses, along with participating in the short educational session. No statistically significant differences were found, however, participants who changed their answers on post-survey showed an increase in confidence of mRNA vaccines as well as indicating they would be more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This educational intervention reviewing a written pamphlet of mRNA vaccine information was effective in increasing the confidence of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in some participants. Participants who changed their post-survey answers indicated an increase in likeliness to receive COVID-19 vaccination and showed improvement in knowledge related to mRNA vaccines. Although there was evidence of clinical significance a larger sample size would be necessary to indicate true statistical significance.