Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccines and Strategies to Improve Acceptability and Uptake

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on communities across the United States (US). Three vaccines have now been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in the US. However, barriers to vaccination exist, some of which are well documented in the literature, including lack of knowledge, fear, accessibility, mistrust in the healthcare system, and systemic and operational obstacles. Vaccine hesitancy in the US could potentially hinder all the efforts and resources being used to beat COVID-19, which has resulted in more than 594 000 deaths in the US per the CDC as of early June 2021. In order to overcome this pandemic, vaccine distribution and uptake is crucial. Pharmacists play a crucial role as healthcare providers as they can dismantle vaccine hesitancy and make an outstanding impact on the efforts to overcome this pandemic.

Efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in COVID-19 management: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Despite the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and effective anti-COVID therapies such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, constraints such as cost, availability, and vaccine reluctance hamper their adoption and distribution [ 1 , 2 ]. Thus, there remains a need for identifying effective, accessible, and affordable therapies against COVID-19.…”

Perceived Role, Identity and Experiences of Pharmacists and the Potential Impact on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake per Louisiana Region: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Significant vaccine hesitancy exists regarding the COVID-19 vaccines [28]. Because many vaccines take years to research and develop, patients were concerned about the perceived rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine [29]. A lack of knowledge and understanding regarding mRNA technology fueled further COVID-19 vaccine concerns [29].…”

“…Because many vaccines take years to research and develop, patients were concerned about the perceived rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine [29]. A lack of knowledge and understanding regarding mRNA technology fueled further COVID-19 vaccine concerns [29]. Many patients within the United States and abroad express concerns regarding the potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines [30,31].…”

Pharmacists’ readiness and willingness to vaccinate the public in United Arab Emirates community pharmacies: A cross-sectional study

“…[1][2][3] Community pharmacists are highly trained but possibly underutilised public health professionals. 4 The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed challenges in the provision of some healthcare services, including vaccination 5,6 ; yet also highlighted the ability of community pharmacists to remain accessible to the public and provide essential services despite unprecedented demand. 2,5 Allowing pharmacy-based vaccination is a healthcare strategy that many countries followed to enhance access and thus increase vaccination uptake in the community.…”