Community Insights Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Intention versus Hesitancy

ABSTRACT

Background: It is widely believed that vaccine hesitancy is prevalent. Achievement of COVID-19 vaccination depends upon public willingness towards immunization against this disease. This study aimed at revealing the underlying situation regarding community hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccine. This study was conducted to determine the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among community and to seek association between socio-demographic factors and various perceptions about COVID-19 vaccine. Methods and Materials A cross-sectional study was carried out on 390 health-care providers and general Pakistani people of age 20 years and above through non probability snowball sampling. An online questionnaire was used to gather data. The socio-demographic variables along with various concepts regarding intentions to take vaccine as well as hesitancy for the same were tried to bring on the surface. The p -value <= 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study reveals that 61.28% of participants desired to get vaccinated. There was significant association between the desire to get vaccination with participant's age & occupation (p value < 0.01). The significant association between the positive views of the health-care providers and the other study subjects (p<0.00) is highly encouraging. The other socio-demographic variables have varied effect on vaccine uptake intentions and hesitancy and require further research on this subject. Conclusion: The study conducted on three hundred & ninety respondents consistently reveals the significant association between the positive views of the health care providers and the other study subjects with the p-values lesser than 0.001. The study concludes that other socio-demographic fabric of the community showed varied effect on COVID 19 vaccine uptake intentions and hesitancy. Recommendation 1. The broad based qualitative research is strongly recommended in order to better seek the community insights & perceptions regarding this public health issue. 2. The large number of Community people although want to get vaccinated against covid-19, still there is a widespread prevalent doubts about this vaccine as being not so safe for them. Such type of doubts among community necessitate that some counselling sessions be conducted in order to remove uncertainties among common people. Motivations of people need to be raised so as to increase the coverage of covid-19 vaccination.