Implications of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among young adults experiencing homelessness: a brief report

This study explores implications of young adults experiencing homelessness' (YAEH) COVID-19 vaccine uptake (e.g. vaccine attitudes and vaccination uptake facilitators and intention). A convenience sample of 78 YAEH were recruited in Los Angeles County and completed a self-administered online survey measuring their COVID-19 experiences. In general, YAEH held positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines; slightly over half agreed that COVID-19 vaccines would be safe, and approximately 57% intended to get vaccinated. Facilitators, such as free COVID-19 vaccine, personal protective equipment, and text-based COVID-19 preventive supports emerged as important to YAEH's COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Targeted public health messaging campaigns to promote positive vaccine attitudes and uptake intention among YAEH may be warranted. Furthermore, COVID-19 dissemination targeting YAEH should take vaccine uptake facilitators into consideration. Specifically, constructing comprehensive COVID-19 preventive services, including testing, protective gear resources, and vaccination, at places to which YAEH have easy access may facilitate their COVID-19 vaccine uptake.