Assessment of factors influencing vaccine hesitancy for coronavirus disease-19 vaccines among the population of National Capital Region, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Acceptance of vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among general population is the most important step in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In India, there is a lack of studies that recorded and assess the factors affecting the motivation of general public toward vaccination against COVID-19. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance and/or hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine and the association of various demographic indicators in the population of the National Capital Region, India. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted between March 15, 2021 and April 15, 2021, using pre-validated questionnaire containing 20 items. Data obtained was analyzed using the Microsoft excel platform using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority of 438 (45.5%) participants in our study agreed that the COVID-19 vaccine is important for their health. In this study, 323 participants said “yes,” 179 said “No,” 201 (20.9%) said “May be” regarding the key question about opinion of getting COVID-19 vaccination. About 395 (40.9%) agreed that they have concerns about the serious adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines. A considerable portion of 316 (32.89%) of participants also thought newer vaccines carry more risks. Substantial population 286 (29.6%) also thinks the current COVID-19 vaccines are not useful against all existing variants of the CoV-2 virus. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy in this study reflects the concerns about the serious adverse effects, exposure to unreliable information, and probes towards vaccine infectiveness. Dissemination of the evidence-based information about the necessity, effectiveness, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines is required to enable the general population to make the right informed decision.