COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake Among Firefighters: An Application of the Health Belief Model (January 2025)-COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake Among Firefighters: An Application of the Health Belief Model

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake Among Firefighters: An Application of the Health Belief Model

Pdf Summary

This study explores COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among firefighters in Minnesota using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Conducted via a cross-sectional online survey in March-April 2022, it examined vaccine prevalence and the impact of health beliefs. The survey garnered 974 responses, predominantly from white male firefighters. Results showed that 76% were fully vaccinated, and 53% had received booster shots.<br /><br />Firefighters were more likely to be unvaccinated if they reported perceived barriers such as concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, decision-making ease, and autonomy in their choice. Those who perceived more benefits from the vaccine and felt that social norms favored vaccination were more likely to receive the vaccine and booster.<br /><br />The research revealed that firefighters had similar vaccination rates compared to the general population, despite facing high exposure risks. Key predictors of vaccination were consistent with the HBM, where greater perceived benefits of the vaccine, fewer perceived barriers, and alignment with social norms were linked to higher vaccination rates.<br /><br />The study identified significant differences in beliefs between vaccinated and unvaccinated firefighters. Those vaccinated reported a higher perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, view it as more severe, and perceived significant personal and public health benefits of the vaccine.<br /><br />The influence of autonomy and decision-making ease also emerged as notable factors. Firefighters who felt more autonomous were less likely to be vaccinated, possibly due to mandates affecting their sense of choice. Those who easily decided on vaccination were less likely to get vaccinated.<br /><br />In conclusion, to improve vaccination among firefighters, interventions should aim to positively impact health beliefs about COVID-19 and the vaccine, addressing perceived barriers and enhancing understanding of vaccine benefits. The study underscores the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted strategies aligned with health belief frameworks.

Keywords

COVID-19

vaccine hesitancy

firefighters

Minnesota

Health Belief Model

vaccination rates

perceived barriers

social norms

autonomy

health beliefs