Factors Influencing Vaccine Decision-Making in the Fitchburg State Community: A Descriptive Survey

Mohamed Elsayyad

Abstract:
Disagreements about the safety and utility of vaccines have a long history in the United States. History demonstrates that vaccines are often met with skepticism and resistance, and the Covid-19 is no exception. The Covid-19 pandemic has raised many ethical questions in relation to whether or not the vaccine should be mandated. It has prompted much debate among politicians, schools, health professionals and ordinary citizens. Furthermore, many organizations and individuals are calling for mandatory vaccination of all Americans, while others remain opposed and call this unethical. In the light of the surge of new variants, Fitchburg State University (FSU) issued a requirement in the fall of 2021 that all members of the FSU community must be vaccinated against Covid-19 or file a valid medical or religious exemption. This research intended to examine the factors that influence decision-making regarding the Covid-19 vaccine in the Fitchburg State community. Additionally, it aims to collect and analyze demographic data in the study sample and compare it to national trends. A recruitment email along with the survey will be sent to all members of the FSU community. Potential subjects who meet the eligibility criteria will answer a Google Forms survey. Inclusion criteria: between ages 18 to 100; students, faculty and staff who are either full-time or part-time; and nontraditional students. The results of the survey will inform an understanding of the ethical dilemmas participants face in deciding whether or not to be vaccinated despite mandates to do so.