The COVID-19 vaccine intentions of Australian disability support workers

Abstract

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, ..