Vaccine hesitancy in poorer people: A qualitative study on attitudes, behaviors, and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among beneficiaries of a social supermarket of a Greek island community

Paraskevi Thymara, Maria Bakola, Konstantina Soultana Kitsou, George Charalambous, Eleni Jelastopulu

Keywords: COVID-19; Vaccination Hesitancy; Anti-Vaccination; Vulnerable Populations; Greece

Background:

Several studies report that COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower in people of low socioeconomic status. Studies investigating the parameters of vaccination hesitancy in poorer people are lacking.

Research questions:

This study aims to investigate COVID-19 vaccine reluctance among vulnerable members of a community, focusing on factors and barriers influencing vaccine acceptance.

Method:

We used in-depth interviews with 11 unvaccinated beneficiaries (state-recognized vulnerable groups) of a social supermarket in Spetses, a small Greek island, to produce an analysis of the current barriers to vaccination. The study took part from February till June 2022. Each participant was asked nine semi-structured questions, the interview was recorded and transcribed, and a thematic content analysis was performed.

Results:

The results of the interviews revealed two majors differently situated groups. One group is made up of people who are afraid of side effects of COVID-19 vaccination, while the other is made up of people who adopt a general attitude of resistance against the government and the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, our study has shown that COVID-19 vaccination has created a rift in personal relationships with friends and family and revealed significant communication gaps regarding the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Greece.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the importance of qualitative studies investigating the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in people of low socioeconomic status. The communication campaign on COVID-19 vaccination in Greece needs to be improved and redefined, as well as the role a primary care physician can play in boosting vaccination confidence.

Points for discussion: