Perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines among osteopathic medical students (OMS)

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that physicians' recommendations are one of the top predictors for individuals to receive vaccines. This study examined the perceptions of new COVID-19 vaccines among the medical students at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) and the factors that influenced their opinions. OBJECTIVE: To measure NYITCOM students' perception of a new COVID-19 vaccine and the factors which drive their opinions. METHODS: An electronic survey of 37 questions was distributed to the Osteopathic Medical Students (OMS I-IV) of NYITCOM in October of 2020. RESULTS: 1770 total students received the survey, and 197 responded (11%). 45% (88/197) of the respondents reported that they would receive new COVID-19 vaccines if they were available at the time of the survey, while 19% (37/197) reported that they had not yet decided. Confidence in the US healthcare system, pharmaceutical trust, the United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)'s minimum effectiveness level, adequate vaccine testing, additional vaccine dose, and antivaccine acquaintances were significant predictors of intended vaccine uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed a low acceptance of the new COVID-19 vaccine among OMS students, which mirrored the general public's low acceptance rate. Better education of OMS about vaccination benefits and the vaccine development process may increase future immunization rates.