Exploring the Role of Information Sources in Vaccine Decision-Making Among Four Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in the U.S.

Abstract

This study explored the role of information sources in vaccine decision-making among four culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities—Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Spanish-speaking in the U.S. Specifically, research questions focused on examining: (a) the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 and whether it differs across members of the four CALD communities; (b) if they find health information that they trust and if there are differences between the ability to find this health information and their vaccination status; and (c) health information sources COVID-19 vaccinated and intended-to-be vaccinated members of the four CALD communities use on a regular basis and this information use compared across the members of these communities. Analysis of survey responses (N = 318) demonstrated that obtaining trusted health information contributed to COVID-19 vaccination decisions among members of the four CALD communities. Vaccine recipients rely on multiple sources of information to protect themselves and their families against the risk for COVID-19. Healthcare providers and policymakers should target health information sources trusted by CALD communities for COVID-19 vaccine communication to these communities. These information sources can be more effectively leveraged to achieve increased diffusion of vaccine information and greater vaccine uptake.