Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  Jason Jean, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Ty Williams, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNE & Ruth Kleinpell, PhD, ACNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, MCCM

DNP Project Abstract

Factors that Impact COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Minorities in Chattanooga, TN

Purpose
Ethnic and racial minorities are disproportionately hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine leading to reduce vaccine uptake rates when compared to White adults. The purpose of this project is to understand reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adult minority populations to help increase vaccination rates.

Methods
A survey was developed to determine reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using questions from CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Rapid Community Assessment Tool and four additional demographic questions.

Results
Fourteen unvaccinated adults completed the survey (92.9%  responded being “unsure,” “probably not getting a vaccine,” or “definitely not getting a vaccine.”, 35.7% responded “fear of side effects” as the reason for not wanting the COVID-19 vaccine, and 28.6% “I think it's not safe” as the reason,  21.4% listed “protect health of family and friends” as motivation to get the vaccine).

Implications for Practice
This project helps broaden the understanding for reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccine uptake motivations among population minorities. The survey findings confirm there is vaccine hesitancy among the sample minority population. Focusing on motivating factors, such as protect the health of family and friends, can help improve vaccination rates among these minorities.