Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination for patients in an inpatient forensic psychiatric hospital

Objective The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients in 2 inpatient forensic psychiatric hospitals. Methods This was a retrospective chart review evaluating factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination for patients residing in two inpatient forensic psychiatric hospitals between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Data was collected through electronic medical records utilizing MetaCare Enterprise (TM) and secure facility computer drives, individual patient paper charts, and Missouri's vaccination records database, ShowMeVax. Several variables were collected to assess factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination rates were compared to the influenza vaccination rates at these hospitals. Results Overall, 229 patients (84.5%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 during or before the study period and 42 (15.5%) were unvaccinated. Patients who were deemed incompetent to stand trial were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those that had a higher body mass index (BMI), were diagnosed with multiple comorbid conditions, not prescribed involuntary medications, were offered incentives, and received the influenza vaccine were more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Education level, race, sex, age, and being prescribed psychiatric medications did not affect vaccination status. Conclusions Patient specific factors should be used when educating and offering COVID-19 vaccines to patients in an inpatient forensic psychiatric unit. Awareness of these results can facilitate targeted interventions for optimal care in a psychiatric population.