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Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People

Emily Greberman, Erin Kerrison, Aaron Chalfin and Jordan Hyatt
Vaccines, v 12(6)
31 May 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060600
url
https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060600View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

acceptance attitudes hesitancy incarceration policy trust vaccine
Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts to mediate the harms of COVID-19. Prisons operate as a microcosm of society in many ways but they also face unique public health challenges. This study examines vaccine hesitancy-and acceptance-among a sample of individuals incarcerated within adult prisons in Pennsylvania. Using administrative records as well as rich attitudinal data from a survey of the incarcerated population, this study identifies a variety of social and historical factors that are-and are not-associated with an incarcerated persons willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings highlight vaccination challenges unique to the carceral context and offer policy recommendations to improve trust in credible health messengers and health service provision for this often overlooked but vulnerable population.

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1 citations in Web of Science

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Immunology
Medicine, Research & Experimental
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