Background: Historically, there have been disparities in vaccine uptake and current interest in COVID-19 vaccination mirror this trend. This is concerning given marginalized groups have been at higher risk for more severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Objective: To assess vaccination intention among adults living with HIV in Florida.

Methods: The Florida Cohort is a longitudinal study that began enrollment in Fall 2020. Surveys may be completed online or on paper in English or Spanish. Questionnaires included items about COVID-19 vaccination intention in general and under various circumstances, and perceived susceptibility to coronavirus. To date, 34 have completed the COVID-19 items.

Results: The sample largely identified as female (41%) and non-Hispanic Black (82%), with a mean age of 48 years. Twenty-two (64.7%) thought they were at higher risk due to their HIV status. Half (50%) would get a vaccine if available, 7 (21%) were unsure, and 10 (29%) would not get one. Of 28 non-Hispanic Black participants, 46% said they would be vaccinated. If recommended by their HIV care provider, 62% would get a vaccine. Similar increases were not seen if it was recommended by a community leader or family member or friend.

Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest suboptimal intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, so greater efforts are needed to increase interest. Relationships with HIV care providers could be leveraged to increase vaccine uptake among people living with HIV. The Florida Cohort will continue collecting prospective data on vaccination intention and uptake as eligibility for the vaccine expands across the state.