COVID-19 vaccination and community management: a qualitative study

Abstract

[Abstract] Background: Nurses play key roles as vaccination agents and frontline workers who deal with prejudice and misinformation. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of nursing students regarding corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and its social and institutional management.

Method: This qualitative study consisted of an exploratory phase involving first- and fourth-year nursing students and a second phase using the PhotoVoice tool SHOWED mnemonic method followed by discussion groups with second-year nursing students.

Results: Three themes emerged: (1) hope tinged with fear; (2) too much information generating fear, uncertainty, and mistrust; and (3) leaders without recognition or voice.

Conclusion: The results inform the body of knowledge in nursing science and enhance changes in clinical practice by providing new insights regarding the perceptions of nursing students on vaccination and its management, highlighting the need to train future nurses in health literacy and new ways to interact with community members.