Development of a COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Single Session Group Intervention for US Veterans

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains problematic and is particularly prevalent in minority and underserved communities.

Aim and Scope: The development and initial efficacy of a single-session Vaccine Hesitancy-focused Telehealth Group at a Veterans hospital in the Bronx, NY are described. This single-session telehealth group integrated motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and a “vaccine positive” peer with the goal of addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccination rates.

Methods: This project was approved by the quality assurance and improvement team at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. From the vaccine-hesitant Veteran referrals received from providers, eight vaccine hesitancy groups, averaging 3.5 participants  per session, were conducted. Thirty Veterans total participated in the telehealth group.

Results: Two-thirds of the participants have received the COVID-19 vaccine, with the vast majority of participants receiving the vaccine after the group. About half of the participants (n=14) were more willing to get the vaccine following the intervention and none experienced an increase in hesitancy.

Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest this may be one intervention to increase vaccine acceptability and COVID-19 vaccination rates. Program strengths, limitations, and suggestions are discussed.