Influence of Respiratory Disease Experiences on COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: A Study from Southeastern Louisiana

Saba Barri¹Sara Al-Dahir^1*Klaus Heyer²Ashley Taylor¹Alaa Khalil²Mohamed Belkhouche¹Brooke-Ashleigh Bonvillain³Kathryn Caldwell⁴Heather Surcouf⁵Ibrahim Hamed¹Malack Jwayyed¹Leslie S Craig⁶Daniel F Sarpong⁷Daniel Salmon⁸

• ¹College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
• ²Elaine P Nunez College, Chalmette, Louisiana, United States
• ³START Corporation, Covington, Kentucky, United States
• ⁴C & S Family Pharmacy, Metairie, Louisiana, United States
• ⁵Methodist Clinic, St. Bernard, United States
• ⁶Independent Researcher, Bridgetown, Barbados
• ⁷School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
• ⁸Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Introduction: Respiratory diseases, including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus, continue to be major health concerns globally. The onset of COVID-19 further compounded these issues, making it important to examine public attitudes toward vaccination and understanding of respiratory diseases. This study explores factors influencing decisions to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine, focusing specifically on the role of prior respiratory illness diagnosis.Methods: A follow-up survey among 299 participants from Southeastern Louisiana across 10 healthcare facilities was administered via phone and the Qualtrics platform, gathering information about the likelihood of receiving the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Quantitative data were analyzed using log-binomial and Poisson regression models to assess relationships between respiratory illness history and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.Results: Nearly half (47%) of the participants reported a history of respiratory illness. Individuals with prior respiratory diagnosis were more likely to accept the latest COVID-19 vaccine (62%) than those without (41%) (RR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.26-2.56). In fully adjusted models, accounting for age, prior vaccine hesitancy, and comorbidities, influenza vaccine acceptance (RR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.06-3.28) was associated with greater likelihood of receiving the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Key barriers to vaccination, including concerns about side effects and distrust in vaccine efficacy were identified.Discussion: Participants with respiratory illnesses and those with positive vaccination histories, particularly regarding influenza, showed a higher likelihood of accepting the latest COVID-19 vaccines. However, significant obstacles to vaccine uptake persist. Tailored public health efforts that address these concerns are crucial to improving vaccine rates, particularly among hesitant groups.