COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake Among Firefighters: An Application of the Health Belief Model.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccination prevalence and explore whether health beliefs were associated with vaccination among firefighters. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Minnesota firefighters in March-April 2022. Survey questions included demographics, vaccination status, and beliefs about COVID-19 and vaccines. Of the survey respondents ( n = 974, 91% male, 89% White), 76% were fully vaccinated and 53% were boosted. Firefighters were less likely to be vaccinated if they reported more perceived barriers (OR = 0.42, P < 0.001), greater decision-making ease (OR = 0.42, P < 0.001), and greater autonomy (OR = 0.65, P = 0.04). Greater perceived benefits (OR = 2.63, P < 0.001) and social norms (OR = 2.10, P < 0.001) were associated with a greater likelihood of being vaccinated. Similar results were seen predicting booster status. Firefighters had similar vaccination rates as the general population, despite high exposure risks. Health beliefs are strongly related to vaccination status.