The COVID‐19 vaccine intentions of Australian disability support workers

OBJECTIVES: Describe perceptions of COVID‐19, COVID‐19 vaccines, information sources, and levels and reasons for vaccine hesitancy among disability support workers (DSWs). METHODS: Cross‐sectional survey of 252 DSWs from across Australia, between early March and early April 2021. Perceptions of risk of COVID‐19; government and media representations; vaccination status (Y/N); vaccine intentions (when offered, delayed vaccinators, vaccine refusers); reasons for hesitancy; confidence in safety and efficacy of vaccine; and information sources. RESULTS: At the time of the survey, fewer than 1% of DSWs had been vaccinated and 17% had been offered vaccination. Of those who had not had the vaccine, 47% said they would get it as soon as it was offered; 19% would not get the vaccine; 12% would have if required; 13% hadn't decided; and 8% would wait until it was available for a while. Reasons for hesitancy included inadequate safety data (70% delayed vaccinators, 79% vaccine refusers), side effects (63% delayed vaccinators, 58% refusers), and distrust in the government (17% delayed vaccinators, 52% refusers). DSWs most trusted sources of information were their own doctor, Chief Medical Officers, and governments. 61% believed that COVID‐19 will only stop if most of the community is vaccinated and 53% agreed the chances of them or their clients getting COVID‐19 would be reduced if they were vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored information is needed to reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase confidence in COVID‐19 vaccines among DSWs. The importance of getting vaccinated to prevent COVID‐19 among people with disability should be emphasised.