COVID-19 Mobile Applications for Vaccination in New York State (NYS)

This study investigates the acceptance and perceptions of COVID-19 mobile applications, particularly the Excelsior Pass for proof of vaccination in New York State (NYS). Employing the Antecedent Privacy Concerns Outcomes (APCO) methodology, a two-stage research approach was conducted, involving an online survey of 249 NYS residents and focus group interviews with 63 participants. The study explored the perceived usefulness of the apps and the influence of privacy and security concerns on their adoption, considering differences by race and age. Results showed that the Excelsior Pass was generally regarded as beneficial, with slight variations based on the task it was used for. While age and race had a minimal association, political affiliation proved more significant. Despite the apps' promise, their measured adoption emphasizes the need for targeted outreach and policy refinements to maximize their public health impact.