Vaccine Confidence in NYC: Thematic Analysis of Community Stories

Figures & data

Table 1. Codebook used to identify key themes

Motivators	Brief definitions
Prevent COVID-19 infection, illness, and death	Getting vaccinated in order to avoid/prevent infection, sickness, or death from COVID-19. Includes general mentions of “being safe” or “staying healthy.”
Protect family members	Vaccination to avoid spreading the virus to family members, especially those who you live with or see frequently.
Protect others and the community	Vaccination to avoid spreading the virus to others in the community, which may include friends or strangers. Includes a desire to protect more vulnerable individuals.
Preexisting condition or risk factor	Understanding that there is a higher risk for sickness and death if you have a preexisting condition. Getting vaccinated due to higher risk of severe reaction to COVID-19 infection.
Experience with a previous COVID-19 infection	Getting vaccinated because you have previously gotten COVID-19 and had a bad reaction. Reference to the previous infection with COVID-19, and how bad it was, as a reason for getting the vaccine.
Anecdotes from other who had COVID	Influenced by personal stories from community members about family, friends, coworkers, etc. who were infected with COVID-19 and either got sick or passed away as a result. Does not include mentions of “people dying” on the news; only personal stories.
To set a good example for others	Getting vaccinated to influence others – including family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors – to get vaccinated, too.
To “end the pandemic”	Desire to end the pandemic, so that “things return to normal.” Belief that getting vaccinated will contribute to ending the pandemic.
Travel, restaurants, and events	Vaccination in order to be able to travel, go to restaurants and bars, or attend events. Includes other activities that require vaccination.
Job or school mandate	Getting vaccinated because of a job or school mandate or requirement.
Based on data, research, or evidence	Consideration of data, research, or evidence when choosing to get vaccinated. Includes citing research that the vaccine works or that COVID-19 is a serious health issue. Reference to specific sources, numbers, or data. Doesn’t include vague statements, like “people are dying.”
Health education from outreach	Getting vaccinated as a result of conversations with community health workers that provide information/education about COVID-19.
Advice from medical professional	Getting vaccinated as a result of advice from a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional.
Advice from friends and family	Getting vaccinated as a result of advice from family members or friends.

Table 2. Summary of media formats used for story collection

File type	Winter	Summer	TOTAL
Audio	4	6	10
Video	52	51	103
Text	76	86	162
Photo	37	20	57
TOTAL	169	163	332

Table 3. Language breakdown

Language	Winter	Summer	TOTAL
English	147	140	287
Spanish	21	23	44
French	1	0	1
TOTAL	169	163	332

Table 4. Distribution of stories across the five NYC boroughs

Borough	Winter	Summer	Total	Percent
Manhattan	12	18	30	9%
Brooklyn	68	48	116	35%
Bronx	80	67	147	44%
Queens	9	24	33	10%
Staten Island	0	6	6	2%
TOTAL	169	163	332	100%

Table 5. Additional informative quotes from community members, organized by theme

Theme	Manhattan	Brooklyn	Queens	Bronx	Staten Island
Prevent COVID-19 infection, sickness, and death	“He felt that the virus was a threat to people everywhere, and vaccines offered a chance to protect himself.” (Story from Alliance for Positive Change)	“The COVID-19 vaccination was comforting in a sense that I felt somewhat protected to a degree that I have a fighting chance against the virus.” (Story from Caribbean Women’s Health Association)	“I didn’t want to die, I didn’t want to be hospitalized.” (Story from Relume Foundation Inc)	“The vaccine made me feel safer. I know now that if I get COVID-19, my body will be able to fight it. I won’t have to worry about being hospitalized, and most importantly, my daughter won’t be left alone.” (Story from Bronx Works)	“I decided to take the vaccine as a way to protect myself and others from COVID. In case I contract it again, I hope I wouldn’t fall into fatality.” (Story from Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI))
Previous infection andanecdotes from others who got COVID	“I did get Covid in March 2020 when New York was the epicenter. I was very sick and I was very afraid. After I got Covid and then the vaccine I felt protected. I knew if I were to get it again it would be less hurtful.” (Story from SMART)	“I contracted COVID, and I was really sick. So what motivated me to get the vaccine is to improve my quality of life and to prevent any future harm to others, spread it to others.” (Story from Church Avenue Merchant Block Association (CAMBA Inc.))	“I have family and friends I have witnessed having COVID, and it’s serious.” (Story from Epicenter)	“The decision that led me to get vaccinated was because my husband was hospitalized for three months on oxygen. And seeing so many people hospitalized.” (Story from Transnational Villages Network)	n/a
Preexisting condition or risk factor	“She is a chronic cigarette smoker and reports having other habits that she calls an unhealthy lifestyle, so she recognized complications from COVID-19 could be serious for her.” (Story from Alliance for Positive Change)	“I have asthma and COPD, so I needed that booster.” (Story from CABS Home Attendant Services Incorporated)	“I don’t want to get in trouble. I’m diabetic and I must take care of myself!” (Story from Epicenter)	“I live in the Bronx, I am 15 years old, and I got my vaccine because my parents decided that I would need it due to me having asthma.” (Story from Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC))	“Truthfully, I feel like if my family wasn’t vaccinated my mom may have not survived when she had COVID, she was having a very hard time breathing because she also has asthma.” (Story from Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI))
Protect others andthe community	“After seeing the millions of people die, bodies in the street, that visual alone, I don’t understand why people don’t think that is real. That’s real. Protect yourself and your neighbors. Save yourself and save another life.” (Story from SMART)	“I wanted to keep myself safe for my family since I am my mother’s only child. And I also wanted to protect myself and my New York City community, because we all need to protect each other. That’s what New Yorkers do.” (Story from Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn)	“Since I am very young, most likely getting COVID would only get me very sick rather than kill me. Getting vaccinated was a way to protect the elderly, immunodeficient, and those who are unable to get the vaccine.” (Story from Relume Foundation Inc.)	“A person close to my sister died because they didn’t want to get vaccinated, because of their beliefs, their doubt. And if they had gotten the vaccine, they would be alive. I think yes, it’s a personal decision, but also, it involves all of our risk, because you and me are in the same society.” (Word of Life International)	“I think that everyone is entitled to their own choice to get vaccinated, but I personally think it’s a good move to be vaccinated, not only to work but also for the health’s sake of you, your family & those around you.” (Story from Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI))
Protect family members	“It’s just preparing you and the person that you’re with. Like, if I was with my sister and I was outside and I had been vaccinated, also it’s protecting her because I’m with her and she’s with me, like, it’s protecting in between both of us.” (Story from SMART)	“Everybody in our whole entire family got vaccinated and boosted. We didn’t play, because we’re a very tight family and we like to visit each other.” (Story from CABS Home Attendant Services Incorporated)	“The ultimate factor that influenced my decision to get vaccinated was my family. While in Rockaway, I frequently see my grand- parents. Before we were all vaccinated, there was an overwhelming s anxiety when someone sniffled.” (Story from RISE Rockaway)	“I live with my family, and I wanted to keep all of us safe. It’s highly important for people to get the vaccine because it’ll keep others safe.” (Story from Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC))	n/a
Travel, events, and putting an end to the pandemic	“After seeing the number of people being affected by this virus, physically or mentally, I wanted it to be gone. I got vaccinated to save lives, my older family members, my friends, myself, even people on the street.” (Story from SMART)	“I wanted to get it so that I could do things like my get driver’s permit and take driving lessons, go to the movies, etc.” (Story from Arab-American Family Support Center)	“I’m grateful for the vaccine. I live abroad much of the year and do a great deal of flying, so prior to the vaccine this travel was very anxiety-inducing.” (Story from RISE Rockaway)	“I hope that everyone can get the vaccine and be able to go out and have fun without worrying about getting sick I would like to go out with my friends without worrying about a mask or being sick after.” (Story from Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC))	“I feel like because I am only 16, I can express that the vaccine has helped myself and my friends be able to live life again. The worry of being so trapped from hanging out, knowing you took the steps to protect others, is gone.” (Story from Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI))
Trust in science, data, research, or evidence	“Team provided them information regarding the FDA-approved vaccines and facts showing the vaccines were safe… They have both received their first shots, influenced by the sense of safety, and the monetary incentive offered by the city.” (Story from Alliance for Positive Change)	“What helped me make the decision to get vaccinated was researching the information and work put into creating the vaccine.” (Story from Brooklyn Community Services)	“I always knew I would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. I had been reading about the progress that was being made with the vaccine and I completely trusted the process and that when it was approved it would be safe to take.” (Story from RISE Rockaway)	“Growing up in the US, I never saw polio… Seeing it up front made me understand the importance of vaccination. So, when COVID vaccines came around, I thought: there’s an end to this human suffering.” (Story from Sauti Yetu)	“At lunch I was speaking to my friends and asked if they are doing it and was told no. My reply was, you fear what? Did you not get vaccinated from birth on; it’s the same thing! Did you ever take over the counter meds because most are not FDA approved.” (Story from Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI))
Advice from doctors, friends, and family	“Eventually, friends convinced me that vaccination was the better route to take. One friend said: We are all going to die sooner or later, and you stand a better chance getting the vaccine than getting COVID again.” (Story from SMART)	“My mother was very adamant that I know that vaccinating [my son] was not just about his health but also about protecting her. She is the reason I educated myself about the vaccine studies for my kids. My son has now returned to in person learning at school.” (Story from Holy Tabernacle)	“As of then I was pregnant, and the doctor said I had to get vaccinated because most of her patients had COVID during their delivery.” (Story from Epicenter)	“I just waited for the doctor’s decision, for her to tell me: ‘you’re ready for the vaccine now.’ For my health, that’s what I can say. And it was positive.” (Story from Transnational Villages Network)	n/a

Table 6. Common motivators for getting vaccinated against COVID-19

Theme	Motivators	Count
Protecting self and others (Section 3.2)	Prevent COVID-19 infection, illness, and death	181
	Protect family members	111
	Protect others and the community	89
	Preexisting condition or risk factor	45
	Experience with a previous COVID-19 infection	30
	Anecdotes from other who had COVID	28
Influencing others (Section 3.3)	To set a good example for others	29
Ending the pandemic (Section 3.4)	To “end the pandemic”	38
	Travel, restaurants, events, etc.	26
	Job or school mandate	25
Trusted, accurate, and accessible information (Section 3.5)	Based on data, research, or evidence	25
	Health education from outreach	25
	Advice from medical professional	19
	Advice from friends and family	18