Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Filipinos and Filipino Americans in a Metropolitan Area

Written by Stacy Arriola, Robin Johnson, & Virginia Reising

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2023.13.02.1307

Abstract

Background: With the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, certain populations including Filipinos are known to be more at risk for COVID-19 while also more vaccine
hesitant. A literature review revealed strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy and promote vaccine uptake including increasing trust, tailored health messaging, and professional advice.

Objective: This project aimed to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in a metropolitan area. More specifically to address concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine that prevent vaccination with aims to increase vaccination rates among this population.

Methods: Using a quality improvement framework, a scaffolded intervention was conducted. Initially, a population focused needs assessment was conducted, followed by an educational intervention integrating strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy, promote vaccine uptake, and provide referrals to vaccination appointments. Knowledge was assessed both before and after the educational intervention.

Results: Thirty-two participants (n = 32) participated in the needs assessment and common themes identified for vaccine hesitancy among the population included: lack of knowledge regarding side effects of the vaccine, limited confidence in safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and mistrust. Twenty participants engaged in the educational intervention. Following the education intervention, all participants showed improvement in all knowledge and confidence areas. There was a slight improvement for those unvaccinated.

Conclusion: This scaffolded approach was successful in conducting a thorough needs assessment to determine areas of vaccine hesitancy in turn facilitating the development of a tailored mass education intervention using strategies to gain trust from the participants and incorporating methods to promote vaccine uptake. These strategies can be used across populations.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccines; vaccination hesitancy; Filipinos