. Rajesh Kumar; . Mukesh Bairwa; . Kalpana Beniwal; . Ravi Kant
Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-10
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease rapidly spreads across the entire world in < 2 months andgravely jeopardizes the regular human routine. The medical fraternity recommends a vaccine ...
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BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease rapidly spreads across the entire world in < 2 months andgravely jeopardizes the regular human routine. The medical fraternity recommends a vaccine as oneof the best solutions to save the universe. However, to be effective, the population should reflect anencouraging attitude to accept it. The study aimed to measure vaccine acceptability and reason forhesitancy among the public.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and forty one adults visiting a tertiary care hospitalresponded to a pretested validated questionnaire on vaccine acceptability and hesitancy. The Chi‑squaretest and independent t‑test, followed by multinomial logistic regression, were used to analyze the findings.RESULTS: Overall, 53.4% (n = 445) of participants interested to take vaccine, 27.2% (n = 229)were not sure, and the remaining 19.4% (n = 163) did not intent to vaccinate. Gender (P = 0.013),information on the vaccine (P = 0.022), chances to get coronavirus disease in the next 6months (P < 0.001), awareness on India COVID‑19 vaccine (P < 0.001), Indian manufacturingcompany of vaccine (P < 0.001), family history of the laboratory‑confirmed case (P < 0.001), andhealth status (P = 0.011) found a significant association with intention to vaccination (a response“yes” vs. “no” and “not sure”). Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included specific antivaccine attitudesand beliefs, a concern of fear and phobia, lack of information, and safety issues on the vaccine.CONCLUSIONS: This institute‑specific survey revealed that approximately every 4 in 8 people werenot sure to take the vaccine, and one in five people refused to be vaccinated. The study recommendsusing target‑based health education to understand and address vaccine‑specific concerns to enhancevaccine coverage, and boost confidence among the population.
