Protecting individuals living with overweight and obesity: Attitudes and concerns toward COVID‐19 vaccination in Canada

Vallis, Michael; Glazer, Stephen

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination and the degree of fear of COVID‐19 among those living with obesity. METHODS: Two samples were recruited for an online survey: one sample was a representative sample of Canadians living with overweight and obesity (n = 1,089), and the second was a convenience sample of individuals recruited from obesity clinical services or patient organizations (n = 980). Respondents completed ratings of their comfort receiving a COVID‐19 vaccination along with the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale. RESULTS: Approximately one‐third of respondents, regardless of sample or weight category, were not comfortable receiving a vaccination, and one‐half expressed moderate or greater perceived risks of vaccination. Confidence in vaccinations was extremely low, especially for those in the clinical sample. Fear of COVID‐19 was substantial and predicted attitudes toward vaccination. Females were less comfortable receiving the vaccine and perceived more risks than males. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest those living with obesity are highly ambivalent about COVID‐19 vaccination. Despite their being at high risk, their confidence in vaccines is very low. Results suggest the need for patient‐centered counseling, with a focus on shared decision‐making to strengthen confidence and reduce perceived risk.