Assessing Meat Processing Workers’ Attitudes and Concerns Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted industries across the globe. Specifically, for meat processing (meatpacking) facilities, the pandemic has changed the way facilities operate, how the workers perform tasks, and how workers perceive their health. The development of an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine brought hope to meat processing employers and workers. However, little research has been conducted to know how meat processing workers feel about vaccines generally and how they perceive the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate preventive vaccine determinants and attitudes and concerns specifically regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Surveys were conducted with 128 meat processing workers in Nebraska from June to December 2021. Significant differences were found in certain determinants of vaccine intention, including collective responsibility and confidence, based on English proficiency levels and nativity. Nearly 90% of workers had been vaccinated for COVID-19. The primary reasons for getting vaccinated included protecting family and friends, themselves, and other coworkers. The main reasons workers provided for not getting vaccinated were lack of trust in the vaccine and potential side effects. The results from this study may help public health and health professionals better understand workers’ attitudes and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, which may contribute to improved health communication and preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks