- Venus Agustin
- Spring 2026
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Vaccines are an integral part of public health, protecting the population from communicable diseases. They are scientifically proven to prevent serious health illnesses, but there are those who are hesitant about their safety and effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue and although vaccine programs were developed and implemented, the issue persists. Historically, the former Soviet Union government implemented mandatory mass vaccinations between 1920s to the 1980s and their primary healthcare system was government controlled and hierarchal in nature that undermined people’s autonomy (Costa-Font et al., 2023). Although the implementation was successful in eradicating communicable diseases, it also led to resentment and deep distrust with the government and healthcare system. Decades later, the Russian-speaking communities have the lowest vaccination rates in the world and the lowest rates of childhood immunization in Washington state (Tyshler & Manning, 2022; Washington State Department of Health, 2012).
PURPOSE
This project explores the root causes of vaccine hesitancy among the Russian-speaking communities and aims to implement effective strategies such as community forums to enhance engagement and increase vaccine acceptance rates. I will also examine healthcare providers’ knowledge about this healthcare issue and conduct culturally specific educational trainings and interventions to enhance communication and collaboration to build trust in the benefits of vaccines to keep our community safe and healthy.
METHODS
A PICOT question was formulated to guide my search of relevant evidence-based articles, and a literature review was conducted to analyze the drivers of vaccine hesitancy among the Russian-speaking population and identify strategies for increasing vaccine acceptance rates. I conducted my literature search with academic databases such as Search It from Washington State University, Google scholar, as well as reputable websites including the Washington State Department of Health and the World Health Organization. Utilized specific keywords such as “vaccines,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “Russian speaking,”, “communication,” and “community” to find appropriate studies. The articles included were peer-reviewed, most were published within the last 5 years and written by healthcare professionals who are experts in their fields. Data were also collected and analyzed through key informant interviews, existing online community toolkits, and Russian social media networks to evaluate history, beliefs and behaviors related to vaccine hesitancy.
DISCUSSION
The findings from this project indicate a high incidence of vaccine hesitancy among the Russian-speaking population in the United States despite efforts to address it. Analysis revealed that key drivers of vaccine hesitancy include deep cultural and government history, beliefs, language barrier and misinformation through media channels. Proper educational training is also lacking among healthcare providers in refuting misconceptions about vaccines. Given the historic distrust of the governing bodies and medical professionals, strategies must focus on community based messengers and trusted professionals who can speak the language. Prioritizing effective communication techniques and community engagement can slowly and consistently build trust and confidence not only in the benefits of vaccines but also in the healthcare system. I recommend conducting new surveys to determine current rates of vaccine hesitancy within this population, identifying new challenges and effectively implementing measures specific to new findings.
REFERENCES
Costa-Font, J, Garcia-Hombrados, J., & Nicinska, A. (2023). The institutional origins of vaccines distrust: Evidence from former-Soviet countries. PLoS One, 18(3), Article e0282420. https://doi.irg/10.1371/journal.pone.0282420
Tyshler, J., & Manning, N. (2022). How a Soviet Past Influences the Present: Vaccine Hesitancy in the Russian-speaking Population Today. Journal of Student Research, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i2.2880
Washington State Department of Health. (2012). Toolkit COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Russian and Ukrainian. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/1600/coronavirus//VaccineToolkit-RussianAndUkrainian.pdf
