Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among incarcerated persons in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, June-July 2021

Social capital and COVID-19 vaccination in prisons: a survey of attitudes, beliefs, and motivations

BACKGROUND

UK prisons were profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination remained low in these settings. Social roles, relationships, and freedoms influence vaccine uptake. Prisons are isolated by design and may foster mistrust that negatively influences vaccine uptake. Prisons are also unique communities with their own social networks and relationships.

METHODS

We undertook a questionnaire survey across all six prisons in Wales, UK, to gather data on vaccine behaviour, attitudes, and other influencing factors. We fitted binomial generalised linear mixed effects models to identify predictors of vaccination.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 727 prison residents. We found low vaccination uptake in younger cohorts, those serving short sentences, and those who perceived themselves to be in poorer health. Those reporting low levels of trust towards others and those reporting fewer sources of social support in prison were less likely to be vaccinated.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that building a prosocial atmosphere in prison and strengthening relationships and trust between prison staff and residents would positively influence vaccine uptake. Specific message framing should be considered to address the beliefs and motivations most prevalent in this population group, rather than focussing simply on enhancing the opportunity for vaccination.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People

Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts to mediate the harms of COVID-19. Prisons operate as a microcosm of society in many ways but they also face unique public health challenges. This study examines vaccine hesitancy-and acceptance-among a sample of individuals incarcerated within adult prisons in Pennsylvania. Using administrative records as well as rich attitudinal data from a survey of the incarcerated population, this study identifies a variety of social and historical factors that are-and are not-associated with an incarcerated person's willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings highlight vaccination challenges unique to the carceral context and offer policy recommendations to improve trust in credible health messengers and health service provision for this often overlooked but vulnerable population.