Motivators and Barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among Native American and Latino Communities

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: COVID-19 disproportionately impacts rural communities of color. Socioeconomic status, occupation and chronic illnesses lead to worse COVID-19 outcomes. This study identifies motivators and barriers of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the Latino and Flathead Reservation agricultural communities. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Thirty key informant interviews and 6 focus groups (N=39 focus group participants) were conducted with community and tribal leaders using an interview guide informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Social Contextual Factor Frameworks. The interview guide was designed to understand the motivators and barriers of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The Community Advisory Board, community investigators and community health workers from the community reviewed and revised the guide. A codebook applied deductive coding to informant responses, followed by an inductive, constant comparison approach. Three analysts met to refine the codebook and conduct inter-rater agreement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants from Flathead reservations and Yakima frequently noted a desire to protect one's self, family and elders. This significant motivator encouraged individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, despite sincere vaccine concerns and government rollout. Barriers included concerns regarding rumored, serious or rare side effects, speed of vaccine development and misinformation. Key differences exist between both communities. Yakima participants noted religious concerns and ID requirements as major barriers. Flathead reservation participants noted distrust and historical trauma of the U.S. government and issues with access (e.g. transportation, technology). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The pandemic disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities in agricultural settings. Participants in both communities felt vaccine availability had outpaced uptake. Clearly, culturally sensitive education and respectful communication would be key in addressing vaccine concerns and improving vaccine uptake.