Perspectives of the U.S. Paralysis Community on COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters
Presented by Claire Burdick
Date and Time
2025 Disability Summit
Date: Thursday, April 24
Lecture: 12:00-12:15p
Q&A: 12:15-12:25p
Presentation Materials
Abstract
Background/Rationale: The paralysis community has unique concerns about vaccinations and can be at higher risk of severe disease. There is a lack of research on vaccine hesitancy among the paralysis community, especially regarding COVID-19.
Main Objective: We sought to explore perspectives of the paralysis community about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Methods: Data were collected using two online surveys in February 2021 and December 2021-February 2022 with multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Members of the paralysis community, including persons with paralysis (PWP), family members, caregivers, professionals, etc. were recruited using the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s email and social media. The surveys consisted of demographic questions, vaccine/booster beliefs, information and concerns about the vaccine/boosters, and vaccination/booster plans.
Results: A total of 1,017 participants (831 PWP and 186 family members/caregivers) completed the vaccine survey and 774 participants (740 persons with paralysis/disability and 304 Foundation Supporters) completed the booster survey. In February 2021, PWP shared similar levels of vaccine hesitancy and received similar information as individuals without paralysis. PWP had unique concerns about the vaccines, but most PWP planned to receive a vaccine and were vaccinated at a higher rate than the general population. In December 2021-February 2022, PWP were less likely to agree that they felt well-informed about boosters, that the boosters were safe, and that the government was providing transparent information about boosters. PWP were equally likely to have been vaccinated and/or received a booster, but among those who had not gotten a booster, PWP were less likely to plan to. Both groups expressed similar concerns about boosters, but distrust was a greater concern for PWP.
Conclusions/Future Implications: Although PWP and others shared concerns and level of hesitancy about vaccines and boosters, certain hesitancies and distrust were unique to PWP and must be considered to ensure the paralysis community is treated equitably.
About the Speaker
Claire Burdick
Claire Burdick is a Senior Research Analyst in the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. She works with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center to evaluate their services and assist with research related to psychosocial aspects of paralysis. She is also a Master of Social Work student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is pursuing a certificate in Veterinary Social Work. Claire researches mental health, wellness, diversity, and inclusion in veterinary education with veterinary social workers and students on the Inclusive Vet Med project. She also explores the experiences of disabled veterinary students and seeks to promote disability inclusion in veterinary education and the veterinary profession.
