• Carolyn M Batie, Courtney N Hintz, Susan H Catchings, Julie A Thompson, and Valerie K Sabol.
• Special Warfare Operational Medicine Squadron, Special Warfare Training Wing, Lackland Air Force Base, TX 78236, USA.
• Mil Med. 2023 Aug 29; 188 (9-10): e2885e2890e2885-e2890.

IntroductionExtensive efforts have been directed toward developing an effective vaccine to fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccinations has become detrimental to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the U.S. Military instated a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, some members were still hesitant to receive the vaccine. To determine the efficacy of a program focused on vaccine hesitation, a program evaluation was conducted on a COVID-19 vaccine educational intervention (hereafter COVID-19 Educational Presentation) for trainees at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, in September 2021. Objectives of the educational session included (1) determining the participants' level of confidence that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, (2) understanding the concern for long-term side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations, and (3) identifying the driving forces behind hesitancy to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Materials And MethodsWe reviewed data collected from the COVID-19 Vaccine Educational Presentation; it consisted of a PowerPoint presentation addressing common questions and myths about COVID-19 vaccines. A survey instrument called the COVID-19 Hesitancy and Confidence Survey was created to assess attitudes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsTwo voluntary COVID-19 Educational Presentations were given in September 2, 2021, months prior to the Air Force's COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadline; 128 trainees participated in the assessment surveys. Overall, the educational intervention increased confidence to receive the COVID-19 vaccine increased by 12.6% (t = -7.928, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 Educational Presentation increased confidence and decreased hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine educational programs should continue in the military population to help combat misinformation and ensure that our military force is fully vaccinated and able to maintain mission readiness.Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2022. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

25 keywords...

hide…