The COVID-19 vaccine intentions of Australian disability support workers

Abstract

Objectives: Describe perceptions of COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, information sources, and levels and reasons for vaccine hesitancy among disability support workers (DSWs). Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 252 DSWs from across Australia, between early March and early April 2021. Perceptions of risk of COVID-19; government and media representations; vaccination status (Y/N); vaccine intentions (when offered, delayed vaccinators, vaccine refusers); reasons for hesitancy; confidence in safety and efficacy of vaccine; and information sources. Results: At the time of the survey, fewer than 1% of DSWs had been vaccinated and 17% had been offered vaccination. Of those who had not had the vaccine, 47% said they would get it as soon as it was offered; 19% would not get the vaccine; 12% would have if required; 13% hadn’t decided; and 8% would wait until it was available for a while. Reasons for hesitancy included inadequate safety data (70% delayed vaccinators, 79% vaccine refusers), side effects (63% delayed vaccinators, 58% refusers), and distrust in the government (17% delayed vaccinators, 52% refusers). DSWs most trusted sources of information were their own doctor, Chief Medical Officers, and governments. 61% believed that COVID-19 will only stop if most of the community is vaccinated and 53% agreed the chances of them or their clients getting COVID-19 would be reduced if they were vaccinated. Conclusions: Tailored information is needed to reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines among DSWs. The importance of getting vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 among people with disability should be emphasised.