USING COVID VACCINE SKIN TESTING IN SHARED DECISION MAKING TO ADDRESS VACCINE HESITANCY

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCW) remains due to misconceptions. Our study attempts to improve vaccination rates among vaccine-hesitant healthcare workers as part of COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Program. METHODS: We enrolled 38 vaccine-hesitant HCWs in the COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy program. A questionnaire assessed their risk and concerns. They were then offered COVID-19 vaccine evaluation and skin prick testing(SPT). RESULTS: Among 38 participants, reasons for vaccine refusal included: side effects(47%), fear of an allergic reaction(26%), underlying medical conditions(18%), and previous COVID-19 infection(18%). If there were no mandatory orders for COVID-19 vaccination towards HCW, 71% of participants definitely would not get the COVID-19 vaccine, 21% were not likely to get the vaccine, and 8% would likely get the vaccine. 89% of the participant expressed interest in getting the COVID-19 SPT, and 11% showed no interest. Out of 31 participants who had SPT, 97% were negative and 3%(n=1) were positive. Upon follow-up, 71% received COVID-19 vaccine, 23% rejected COVID-19 vaccine, and 6% were lost to follow-up. Regarding those who declined COVID-19 vaccine, 86% refused due to religious exemptions, while 14% had medical exemptions. Of individuals that were either not likely or definitely not likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 69% ultimately received the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: : Our study showed a preponderance of HCW who were unlikely to get the vaccine, and subsequently agreed to receive it after negative SPT. Thus COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Program can be used to dispel misinformation and help HCW in the shared decision-making process to improve vaccination rates.