Commissioned by the Washington State Department of Health, the Latino Center for Health conducted and completed a qualitative study of 25 telephone interviews with Latinx individuals across Washington state to ascertain their perceptions and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccines. One interview question also asked about their perspectives regarding vaccines in general. Data collection took place from the period of Nov. 15 – Dec. 20, 2023. The sample consisted of Latinx adults ranging in ages from 25 to 54 years old. They lived in diverse regions of the state in Western, Central and Eastern Washington, including rural communities. Fifteen women and 10 men participated, nearly all of whom spoke Spanish.
This report reveals important findings pertaining to Latinx attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines and their motivations in seeking vaccination. Main themes identified by participants include:
- Protection of Family: Most participants stated that their primary motivation for getting vaccinated was the protection of their families.
- Fear of Vaccine Side Effects: A significant number of participants expressed that in their communities, the predominant fear was the potential side effects of vaccines. Some participants refrained from getting the COVID vaccine due to these fears, believing that vaccines could make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
- Trust in Vaccines Derived from Others’ Experiences: Many participants mentioned that early in the pandemic, their motivation to get vaccinated stemmed from observing others in their community who had received the vaccine without issues. Conversely, some participants cited distrust in the vaccine based on adverse reactions or side effects experienced by someone in their community or family.
- Reassurance for Family Safety: Most participants expressed the need for reassurance regarding the safety of vaccines, particularly for their family members, especially children and older adults.
Here is a link to the full report to the Department of Health: https://latinocenterforhealth.org/latinx-perceptions-and-attitudes-regarding-covid-19-vaccines-and-vaccines-in-general/
A companion qualitative study also commissioned by the Washington State Department of Health was conducted by the Latino Center for Health. It focused on the perceptions of eight promotoras (community health workers) with regards to their clients’ perspectives pertaining to COVID-19 vaccines. These promotoras lived and worked in diverse urban and rural communities throughout WA state. Data collection took place from the period of January 10, 2024 – January 26, 2024. The main themes identified in this study contribute to a culturally informed understanding that can help inform the planned media campaign of the Department of Health for the Latinx population.
Findings reveal various sources of information that Latinx individuals often seek out or use when it comes to staying informed about COVID-19, including social media, schools, promotoras, Spanish and English language radio and television outlets, local departments of health, flyers at health fairs and doctors. These approaches were affirmed to be effective.
Here is a link to the full report based on Interviews of Promotoras: https://latinocenterforhealth.org/full-report-based-on-interviews-of-promotoras/