Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination in people living with HIV/AIDS from Latin America

Abstract

Background Prior research has established some risk factors for an increased risk of severe disease and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the impact of HIV infection on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity is a significant gap in the literature. In the same way, not many studies across the globe have analyzed the degree of vaccination willingness among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and considerations regarding prioritizing this population during vaccination plans, particularly in developing countries. Methods A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-completed electronic surveys directed to PLWHA were performed via Twitter in February 2021, using accounts of HIV activists. Results 460 (87.1%) participants were willing to be vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine. The reasons for that were listed as 1) the belief that vaccination prevents both the COVID-19 infection (81.3%) as well as being a spreader (52.2%); 2) having a high occupational risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 (22%); and 3) the belief that they would be at high risk of death because of COVID-19 (21.3%). Only 56 (10.6%) participants expressed hesitancy toward vaccination, and 12 (2.2%) stated they did not want to get vaccinated. Conclusions Our results may support the prioritization of people living with HIV during the implementation of vaccination plans in developing countries. New strategies should be adopted to overcome the hesitancy and unwillingness toward the COVID-19 vaccination, especially in populations with risk factors for severe disease.

COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…In two (14.29%) studies, all included HIV patients were on ART [21,26]; in nine (64.29%) studies, the percentage of PLHIV on ART ranged between 59.3% and 98% [23,28] and the remaining three (21.42%) studies did not mention the ART status of participants [29][30][31]. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination ranged from 33.7% [28] to 87.1% [25] (Table 1).…”

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV in a low-resource setting: A multi-center study of prevalence, correlates and reasons

“…These reasons have also been reported as the major reasons for hesitancy among PLHIV in previous studies. [24] , [55] , [56] Multivariable analysis in other studies also showed these factors to be independently associated with higher odds of hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine. [10] , [12] , [21] , [51] , [57] , [58] The fact that these concerns have been vastly reported across several studies indicates a lack of public awareness about the proven safety and efficacy profile of the COVID-19 vaccine, [59] not only among the general population but also among PLHIV, who may even have a greater degree of routine contact with healthcare professionals than the general population.…”

Barriers and facilitators related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake among people living with HIV

“…However, two studies conducted in China [15 ▪ ,16 ▪ ] found that younger PLWH were more likely to be vaccinated compared with their older counterparts. Other studies examining age did not find any statistically significant differences in vaccine uptake and acceptance [14 ▪ ,26 ▪▪ ,42 ▪▪ –45 ▪▪ ,48 ▪ ,50 ▪ ,51 ▪ ], demonstrating the need for further research, especially across different countries and contexts.…”

“…Across a multitude of studies, participants have indicated concerns related to safety, efficacy and the overall development of COVID-19 vaccines as reasons for delaying or not receiving vaccines [14 ▪ ,26 ▪▪ ,41,42 ▪▪ –45 ▪▪ ]. Potential side effects and safety concerns have been reported as significant elements of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy [43 ▪▪ ,45 ▪▪ ]. These concerns are related to the spread of misinformation and mistrust in the healthcare system fuelled by global political polarization.…”

“…Behavioural factors and individual perceptions including working in high-risk occupational settings, having COVID-19 prevention knowledge, prior engagement with other vaccinations and perceived effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine have impacted COVID-19 vaccine uptake among PLWH. One study conducted in Latin America found that 87.1% of their participants living with HIV/AIDS were willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and of those 22% indicated high occupational risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and 81.3% had a belief that vaccination prevents COVID-19 infection [43 ▪▪ ]. The occupational risk sentiments were also echoed in analyses conducted in China [16 ▪ ].…”