COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptance and informational needs in an Australian cancer population: a cross-sectional survey

Objective 

This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptance, and unmet informational needs in a cancer population during the first phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rollout in Australia. 

Methods 

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia, between 10 May and 31 July 2021. The survey assessed health beliefs, experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and informational needs. 

Results 

COVID-19 was perceived to be a significant threat to both physical and mental health. While 57.9% (n  = 110) of respondents believed the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and 64.2% (n  = 122) believed they were effective, more than half (52.6%; n  = 100) agreed that they worried about vaccine side effects. Most respondents (84.2%; n  = 160) planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; however, feelings of hesitancy remained. There was a statistically significant association between those aged under 60 years (P  = 0.003), those with previous vaccine hesitancy (P  = 0.000), those who felt they had not received adequate information (P  = 0.000) and vaccine hesitancy. Requested information pertained to interactions with cancer treatments, those with a history of blood clotting and information for those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. 

Conclusions 

There is a need for tailored COVID-19 vaccine communication that is responsive to the concerns of people with cancer. This will be beneficial during current and future vaccination rollouts.