Attitudes Toward The COVID-19 Vaccine Among North Carolina Participants In The COVID-19 Community Research Partnership

Abstract

Willingness to receive the newly developed Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines is highly variable. To assess the receptiveness of a select sample of North Carolinians to COVID-19 vaccination, a brief survey was conducted among participants in the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership (CCRP) affiliated with five medical centers in North Carolina. A total of 20,232 CCRP participants completed a multiple choice, mini survey electronically between December 17, 2020 and January 13, 2021. Of the 20,232 survey respondents, 15,422 (76.2%) were receptive to vaccination. Vaccine receptiveness increased incrementally with age with those >70 years being the most willing to be vaccinated compared to all other age groups. Respondents with no previous COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to accept the vaccine compared to those that have a previous COVID-19 diagnosis (76.6% vs 60.9%). Comparative analysis of gender, race/ethnicity, and residence locale revealed that women, African Americans, and suburban participants were less willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. There was no difference in vaccine intent based on healthcare worker status. Of those unwilling to get the vaccine, 82% indicated that the reason was uncertainty about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.