Social and Political Differences in COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Readiness Among RN-to-BSN Nursing Students

Background: Research demonstrates a strong relationship between healthcare professionals’ vaccine attitudes and behaviors and the vaccination behaviors of patients, family, and friends. Positive vaccine attitudes among healthcare professionals are associated with vaccine uptake among patients and non-patients. Relatedly, vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals is associated with decreases in vaccine uptake. Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals, such as nurses, is a critical public health issue. Purpose: This study examines social and political differences between COVID-19 fully vaccinated (FV) and not fully vaccinated (NFV) nursing students. Methods: An online survey was distributed to investigate the social (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity, and religious affiliation) and political (political affiliation) differences in COVID-19 vaccination among RN-to-BSN nursing students. Among the NFV, readiness for COVID-19 vaccination and reasons for vaccine hesitancy were also assessed. The final analytic sample included 192 respondents. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to identify whether socio-demographic and political differences existed between COVID-19 FV and NFV nursing students. Results: Political affiliation (p = 0.005) was the only statistically significant difference identified. Among the NFV, the majority (70.8%) were in the precontemplation stage, with no intention of becoming vaccinated in the foreseeable future. The top reason reported for vaccine hesitancy was concern about side effects (58.3%). Implications: Political affiliation is an important factor in understanding vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to build trust, engage in empathetic discussions about vaccine hesitancy, and enhance media literacy skills are crucial steps in addressing vaccine hesitancy and the influence of politics on public health issues.