LB926 COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a cohort of hidradenitis suppurativa patients

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease manifest as painful nodules, abscesses, and draining sinus tracts (“tunnels”). Numerous studies of SARS-CoV-2 and currently available mRNA vaccines have been published in recent months, including investigations into the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. However, the rationality driving COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has not yet been thoroughly explored or described in patients with HS. Methods: An IRB-retrospective chart review and telephone survey of patients receiving care at Einstein/Montefiore HS Center (MMC-HSC) were conducted between September-December 2021. Patient demographics, vaccine status, and reasoning for vaccine abstinence (hesitancy) were documented. Results: Of 66 patients who agreed to participate, the mean age was 35.2±14.0; 44 (67%) were female. Of the 13 (20%) non-vaccinated patients, 11 (83%) stated that there wasn’t enough information known about the long-term consequences of the vaccine; 5 (42%) expressed concerns about side effects; 3 (25%) identified apprehension about exacerbating HS; 2 (17%) expressed concern about negative interactions with HS medications, and 2 (17%) listed “other reasons” for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Data from this pilot study strongly suggest that fear of long-term consequences and/or side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination are major reasons for the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy in our HS cohort. We propose that greater emphasis on patient education regarding COVID-19 vaccination may neutralize negative attitudes and provide stronger motivation for protection against SARS-CoV-2.