Perspectives about COVID-19 vaccination among the paralysis community in the United States.

Purpose/objective: We sought to explore perspectives among the paralysis community and caregivers or persons with paralysis (PWP) about the COVID-19 vaccination. Research Method/Design: Data were collected via online survey with multiple choice and open-ended questions from adult PWP and family members and/or caregivers (FC) of PWP. Multiple choice questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted to compare the two groups (PWP and FC); open-ended responses were coded using Hamilton's rapid assessment process.

Results: A total of 1,017 respondents (831 PWP, 186 FC). PWP shared the same levels of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and received similar levels of information about the vaccine as the general population. Unique concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine expressed solely by PWP included fear of death after the vaccine, concerns about vaccine efficacy, and concerns about Federal Drug Administration approval. At the time, the majority of PWP plan to seek a COVID-19 vaccination and were vaccinated at a higher rate than was the general population.

Conclusions: Although PWP share many similar concerns to the general population, there are some concerns unique to PWP that must be noted to ensure that the paralysis community is considered fully and equitably in public health efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).