COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Concerns Among People Who Use Drugs in Oregon. Issue 6 (8th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stack, Erin; Shin, Sarah; LaForge, Kate; Pope, Justine; Leichtling, Gillian; Larsen, Jessica E.; Byers, Mikaela; Leahy, Judith M.; Hoover, Daniel; Chisholm, Laura; Korthuis, P. Todd
• Is Part Of: Journal of addiction medicine. Volume 16:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 695
• Page End: 701
• Publication Date: 2022-11-08
• Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine -- methamphetamine -- opioid use disorder -- peer recovery support specialists -- people who use drugs; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-0620

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and explore reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people who use drugs (PWUDs), a population with increased COVID-19 transmission and morbidity. Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with PWUDs in 7 Oregon counties from May 11 to June 25, 2021. Participants (n = 34) were recruited in partnership with syringe service programs and local community organizations staff, participant-referrals, and flyer advertising. Research staff conducted interviews via telephone to assess participants' acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, find knowledge gaps where new educational information about vaccination would be helpful, and identify who would be perceived as a trustworthy source of information. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis with a deductive approach. Results: Most participants had not received the COVID-19 vaccine and were not planning on or were unsure about receiving it. Participants were mistrustful of the rapid COVID-19 vaccine development process, the agencies involved in the development, and vaccines in general. Participants shared varied and contrasting responses about who they would trust to provide information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including peer recovery support specialists, doctors, or other health care professionals, and specified federal agencies or media outlets. Conclusions: As addiction medicine and public health staff continue to respond to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, vaccination planning should be tailored to the unique needs of PWUD to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in this high-risk population.