O-22 Exploring the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the adult population of Trinidad and Tobago

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed via social media platforms in June 2022. A convenience sample of persons residing in Trinidad and Tobago, aged 18 years, completed the survey. Data were analysed using SPSS v.28.

Results: The majority of the 406 respondents (80%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Persons were less likely to be vaccinated if their occupation was within the agriculture, [OR=0.11, p=0.009] tourism, [OR=0.17, p=0.024] education, [OR=0.18, p<0.001) or business [OR=0.19, p<0.001) sectors, were aged 50-59 [OR=0.38, p=0.021) were influenced by family and friends [OR=0.14, p<0.001) or feared vaccination because of their awareness of experiences of adverse reaction to vaccinations in general [OR=0.07, p<0.001). Unvaccinated participants reported international public health officials as most trusted sources of information, belief that the vaccine was ineffective (21%), that their vaccine decision was influenced by family and friends (25%) and concerns about “an inadequate period of testing” of the vaccine (21%). A need for more information on the long-term effects of vaccines was expressed.

Conclusion: Various occupations, older age, the influence of family and friends, and several vaccine-specific factors such as awareness of adverse reactions to vaccines, inadequate period of testing for COVID-19 vaccines, and concerns about vaccine side effects, safety and efficacy were associated with being unvaccinated. These findings may be used to strengthen current public health measures addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.