Journal of Patient Experience (Nov 2021)

COVID-19 Vaccine Willingness and Hesitancy Among Marshallese Pacific Islanders

  • Pearl A. McElfish PhD, MBA,
  • Don E. Willis PhD,
  • Cari Bogulski PhD,
  • Meetu Kelen BDS,
  • Sheldon Riklon MD,
  • Eldon Alik BS,
  • Melisa Laelan BS,
  • April L. Brown PhD,
  • Ka’imi A. Sinclair PhD,
  • Jennifer A. Andersen PhD,
  • Benjamin C. Amick PhD,
  • Mark Williams PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23743735211056428
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

Read online

COVID-19 has disproportionally burdened racial and ethnic minorities. Minority populations report greater COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; however, no studies document COVID-19 vaccine willingness among Marshallese or any Pacific Islander group, who are often underrepresented in research. This study documents United States (US) Marshallese Pacific Islanders’: willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine, willingness to participate in vaccine trials, and sociodemographic factors associated with willingness. From July 27, 2020-November 22, 2020, a convenience sample of US Marshallese adults were recruited through e-mail, phone calls, and a Marshallese community Facebook page to participate in an online survey. Of those surveyed (n = 120), 32.5% were extremely likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine; 20.8% were somewhat likely; 14.2% were unlikely or very unlikely; and 26.7% stated they did not know or were not sure. Only 16.7% stated they were willing to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Vaccine willingness was positively associated with older age, higher income, and longer US residence. Health insurance status and having a primary care provider were positively associated with vaccine willingness. Findings demonstrate within-group variation in COVID-19 vaccine willingness.