Perspectives and experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in people with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease

Journal article


Peng, David, Kelly, Ayano, Brady, Bernadette, Faasse, Kate, El-Haddad, Carlos and Frade, Stephanie. (2024). Perspectives and experiences of COVID-19 vaccination in people with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease. Patient Education and Counseling. 118, p. Article 107996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2023.107996
AuthorsPeng, David, Kelly, Ayano, Brady, Bernadette, Faasse, Kate, El-Haddad, Carlos and Frade, Stephanie
Abstract

Objective
People with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD) are at an increased risk of morbidity from COVID-19. While COVID-19 vaccination is effective at reducing disease complications, there have been significant levels of vaccine hesitancy in people with AIIRD. We aimed to understand vaccine hesitancy and promote shared decision-making by describing the experiences and perspectives of people with AIIRD who had concerns with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Methods
Adults with AIIRD on immunosuppressive medications who expressed concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination were purposively sampled until thematic saturation. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results
Sixteen adults with an AIIRD were interviewed. Thematic analysis yielded four themes: heightened sense of vulnerability; determining individual suitability; desperate for freedom and relief; deterred by scepticism.

Conclusions
The perspectives of people with AIIRD towards the COVID-19 vaccination were shaped by a sense of vulnerability. The decision-making experience was challenging, resulting from struggles with handling information, dealing with external pressures, and facing negativity.

Practice Implications
A collaborative approach, involving close family and friends and avoiding negativity and pressure can improve engagement and support decision-making around COVID-19 vaccination. Clearly addressing potential risks of vaccination may prevent subsequent regret and hesitancy if they arise.

Keywordsautoimmune diseases; COVID-19; vaccination; vaccine hesitancy; rheumatic disease
Year2024
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Journal citation118, p. Article 107996
PublisherElsevier B.V.
ISSN0738-3991
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2023.107996
PubMed ID37832345
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85173985542
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online11 Oct 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted29 Sep 2023
Deposited10 Feb 2025
Additional information

© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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License: CC BY 4.0
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