Missed first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine: a qualitative study on vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Introduction This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) among healthcare workers (HCWs) who missed the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a qualitative study of the factors contributing to COVID-19 VH among HCWs at the University College Hospital, Ibadan using purposive sampling technique. Each interview session was held through telephone conversation. Qualitative data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results The mean age of the 15 HCWs was 34.33±3.77 years;10 (66.7%) were females;6 (40.0%) were physiotherapists. Three themes were identified. The first theme, “Factors contributing to COVID-19 VH among healthcare workers” had five clusters i) Lack of adequate information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine;ii) Challenges with immunization schedule;iii) Fear of side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine;iv) Lack of trust in the government;and v) Concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. The second theme, “Healthcare workers' perception on the solution to COVID-19” had three clusters i) Adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures;ii) Vaccine production key to submerging the COVID-19 pandemic;and iii) Healthcare workers' perception of their roles in patient education on the COVID-19 vaccine. The third theme;“Recommendations to encourage COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers” had three clusters i) Disclosure of extensive information on COVID-19 vaccine components;ii) Decentralization of COVID-19 vaccine collection points;and iii) Procurement of other brands of the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions Public health authorities should promote information on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.