‘Is It Safe? Is it not?’ A Youth-Led Photovoice Study of Youth Perspectives of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence

Background

Youth have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite high rates of COVID-19 infection, youth had one of the lowest vaccine uptake rates. Certain characteristics can affect vaccine uptake, such as mental health and substance use, but it is important to understand uptake for an effective response to pandemics.

Objective

This study examined the perspectives of youth with mental health or substance use concerns on COVID-19 vaccine confidence, hesitancy and overall COVID-19 vaccine perspectives.

Methods

Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, a sample of 27 youth aged 14−24 years participated in a series of photography workshops and focus groups. Participants submitted final photographs for discussion. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes were generated: (1) Youth deciphered the vaccine discourse in a changing information landscape; (2) mixed perspectives of families, friends and loved ones influenced the vaccine journey; (3) complex societal influences affected views and decisions around the COVID-19 vaccine; and (4) youth navigated their vaccine journeys through first- and second-hand experiences. The four themes and subthemes highlight the evolution of youth's journeys with the COVID-19 vaccine over the course of the pandemic and into the late-pandemic period.

Conclusions

Youth with mental health or substance use challenges navigated a complex environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The wide variety of factors influencing vaccine perspectives should be taken into account in public health messaging and future research on youth vaccine uptake. Youth-led and youth-engaged research can help solicit rich and meaningful perspectives of young people on important public health issues.

Patient or Public Contribution

This was a youth-led study. A youth research analyst conducted the study activities together with the support of a youth advisory group, an adult photographer with lived experience, and a scientific team.