ABSTRACT
Background. Vaccines against COVID-19 are critical to controlling COVID-19. A successful vaccination campaign requires high vaccine uptake. Knowledge of people's perceptions towards vaccines and their readiness to be vaccinated helps inform messaging around vaccine confidence. Our study aimed to assess the level of vaccine confidence and identify associated factors in two cities in Kyrgyz Republic. Methods. In August 2021, we conducted a convenient sample study of adults (>=18 years old) at public service centers and malls in Bishkek and Naryn. A participant had high vaccine confidence if they (1) believed that the COVID-19 vaccine is important to protect oneself or to protect others in their community, and (2) had been vaccinated or planned to get vaccinated. We used logistic regression to assess associations with high vaccine confidence. Results. Of 1595 respondents, 29% had high COVID-19 vaccine confidence, 37% believed getting a vaccine was important to protect oneself, and 39% believed it was important to protect others in their community. Moreover, 63% of respondents were not vaccinated and did not plan on getting vaccinated,61% reported concerns about safety and side effects, and 44% believed (incorrectly) that vaccines would not effectively prevent COVID-19. Vaccine confidence increased with age (42% aged >=50 years vs 21% aged 18-29 years) and education level (38% among those with higher education vs 22% lower education). Higher age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-2.3), higher education (AOR 1.5, CI 1.2-1.8), high COVID-19 knowledge (AOR 2.5, CI 1.6-4.1), prior COVID-19 testing (AOR 1.5, CI 1.3-1.8), and reporting healthcare workers as a primary source of COVID-19 information (AOR 1.3, CI 1.1-1.6) were associated with high vaccine confidence. Conclusion. Results demonstrate that building vaccine confidence is likely needed, especially among younger people and people with lower education. Healthcare providers can work with populations to address safety concerns and promote vaccine effectiveness.