The objective of this study is to better understand public attitudes towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This understanding will inform the development of community engagement strategies to be used in future interventions and studies aimed at addressing factors that impact the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 in under-served and vulnerable communities.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly instigated a
global pandemic. As of this writing, there are more than 33 million documented cases of
infection in the United States (US). Furthermore, in the US, COVID-19 has disrupted the
economy, overwhelmed the healthcare system, led to widespread school cancellations, and
caused more than 595,000 deaths since March 2020.
The availability of three highly effective vaccines against COVID-19 within a year of the
start of the pandemic is an extraordinary achievement and cause for great optimism. However,
a significant proportion of adults in the U.S. have not accepted vaccination against
COVID-19. Efforts are needed to identify effective messages and communication strategies to
overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
To address this need, the investigators plan to conduct two rapid surveys among Massachusetts
residents, to assess attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.
Behavioral: Communication about the COVID-19 vaccination from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Participants will be randomized to receive one of two different versions of messages from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The message that participants in each experimental group receive will vary slightly and systematically. Specific content and wording of these messages were developed to address and mitigate concerns about the Covid-19 vaccination.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Massachusetts resident
- Adult (age 18 and over)
- English or Spanish speaking
Exclusion Criteria:
• Non-English or Spanish speaking
Meyers Primary Care Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605
Investigator: Ngoc T Nguyen, B.S
Contact: 508-556-5682
Kimberly Fisher, MD, Principal Investigator
University of Massachusetts, Worcester