Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Primary Major
Global Public Health
Thesis Advisor
Michaela George, PhD, MPH
Abstract
Introduction:
COVID-19 booster hesitancy amongst different populations is a continuing public health issue. Within Marin County, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability are not receiving their booster vaccination in spite of receiving the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hence, there is a lack of research that reveals the barriers and motivation as to why individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Marin are facing hesitancy towards the COVID-19 booster.
Methods:
In this qualitative study, the researcher interviewed clients of the Ritter Center. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals ages 18 and older, currently experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and speak English. Voice recorded interviews were transcribed through Otter.ai and interviews not recorded were hand transcribed by the researcher at the time of the interview. Once transcribed and de-identified, the interviews were then coded and divided into common themes using Dedoose.
Results:
After coding 15 transcripts, thematic analysis revealed three main themes as to why those experiencing homelessness or housing instability are COVID-19 booster hesitant; Easy Access to Services, Prioritization of Care, and Community Organization Engagement. Easy access to services was coded as individuals’ that expressed that the convenience of the primary series of vaccines (e.g pop up clinics or walk-in appointments) have influenced their decisions to continue their booster vaccinations against COVID-19. Prioritization of care was coded the levels of importance participants take to determine if receiving COVID-19 vaccine/booster services are needed based on their circumstances. Lastly, community organization engagement was coded as community organizations (e.g Ritter Center) engaging with individuals using their services through posters, staff relaying information, free services, etc. The three main themes are common experiences interviewees that are not properly addressed which has a relationship to what led them to become COVID-19 booster hesitant.
Conclusions:
The themes of non-accessible services, prior COVID-19 infection, and lack of vaccine promotion are expected to be common amongst the interviews held which suggests that these recurrent experiences have led individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability to remain unboosted. Public health intervention can increase accessibility and offer more educational services to further promote COVID-19 vaccination/booster efforts to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.