COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the adult population in Ghana: evidence from a pre-vaccination rollout survey

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already claimed over four million lives globally and over 800 deaths in Ghana. The COVID-19 vaccine is a key intervention towards containing the pandemic. Over three billion doses of the vaccine have already been administered globally and over 800,000 doses administered in Ghana, representing less than 5% vaccination coverage. Fear, uncertainty, conspiracy theories and safety concerns remain important threats to, a successful rollout of the vaccine if not managed well. Objective Ascertain the predictors of citizens’ probability of participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and subsequently accept the vaccine when given the opportunity. Methodology The study was an online nation-wide survey among community members (n = 1556) from 18th September to 23rd October, 2020 in the 16 regions in Ghana. Binary probit regression analysis with marginal effect estimations was employed to ascertain the predictors of community members’ willingness to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and uptake the vaccine. Results Approximately 60% of respondents said they will not participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial; 65% will take the vaccine, while 69% will recommend it to others. Willingness to voluntarily participate in COVID-19 vaccine trial, uptake the vaccine and advise others to do same was higher among adults aged 18–48 years, the unmarried and males (p < 0.05). Significant predictors of unwillingness to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine trial and uptake of the vaccine are: married persons, females, Muslims, older persons, residents of less urbanised regions and persons with lower or no formal education (p < 0.05). Predominant reasons cited for unwillingness to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and take the vaccine included fear, safety concerns, lack of trust in state institutions, uncertainty, political connotations, spiritual and religious beliefs. Conclusion The probability of accepting COVID-19 vaccine among the adult population in Ghana is high but the country should not get complacent because fear, safety and mistrust are important concerns that have the potential to entrench vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine rollout campaigns should be targeted and cognisant of the key predictors of citizens’ perceptions of the vaccine. These lessons when considered will promote Ghana’s efforts towards vaccinating at least 20 million people to attain herd immunity.

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Factors Influencing SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in a Population-Based Sample in Italy

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060633 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 633

Author(s):

Marco Del Riccio ◽

Sara Boccalini ◽

Lisa Rigon ◽

Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte ◽

Giuseppe Albora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Population Based ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Major Barrier ◽

Trust In Institutions ◽

General Adult Population ◽

High Level

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 represents an effective and safe tool to protect the population against the disease; however, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy could be a major barrier to achieving herd immunity. Despite the severity of the current pandemic, the population’s intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is still not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among a convenience sample of the general population resident in Italy and the factors associated with hesitancy and acceptance of the vaccine in the context of the current pandemic before the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines. An anonymous online survey was diffused among a general adult population living in Italy. Participants aged 18 or older and living in Italy were considered eligible. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Overall, 7605 valid questionnaires were collected. Most of the participants (81.9%) were inclined to get vaccinated; male sex (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.71), a high level of trust in institutions (OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.04–7.83), and personal beliefs about high safety of COVID-19 vaccines (OR 56.33, 95% CI 31.57–105.87) were found to be among the significant predictors of COVID-19 acceptance. These data could help design larger studies to address the problem of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the current pandemic.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Willingness and Hesitancy Among Marshallese Pacific Islanders

Journal of Patient Experience ◽

10.1177/23743735211056428 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 237437352110564

Author(s):

Pearl A. McElfish ◽

Don E. Willis ◽

Cari Bogulski ◽

Meetu Kelen ◽

Sheldon Riklon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Trial ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Pacific Islanders ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Health Insurance Status ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Group Variation

COVID-19 has disproportionally burdened racial and ethnic minorities. Minority populations report greater COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; however, no studies document COVID-19 vaccine willingness among Marshallese or any Pacific Islander group, who are often underrepresented in research. This study documents United States (US) Marshallese Pacific Islanders’: willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine, willingness to participate in vaccine trials, and sociodemographic factors associated with willingness. From July 27, 2020-November 22, 2020, a convenience sample of US Marshallese adults were recruited through e-mail, phone calls, and a Marshallese community Facebook page to participate in an online survey. Of those surveyed (n = 120), 32.5% were extremely likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine; 20.8% were somewhat likely; 14.2% were unlikely or very unlikely; and 26.7% stated they did not know or were not sure. Only 16.7% stated they were willing to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Vaccine willingness was positively associated with older age, higher income, and longer US residence. Health insurance status and having a primary care provider were positively associated with vaccine willingness. Findings demonstrate within-group variation in COVID-19 vaccine willingness.

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Saga of Covid 19 Vaccination

Journal of Quality in Health Care & Economics ◽

10.23880/jqhe-16000223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Suresh K

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Scale Up ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Global Public Good ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Health History ◽

The World ◽

Antigen Tests

Covid 19 Pandemic hit 219 countries and territories of the world since the first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan, the capital of the province of Hubei in China in December 2019. Initial Pandemic management strategy included Testing and confirming by laboratory tests namely RTPCR / Rapid antigen tests, treating with antivirals and corticosteroids and complications as they manifested, tracking contacts, promoting use of masks, handwashing, and respiratory etiquette. The world scientist delivered several excellent options within a year a significant achievement in the Public Health History. Now every country is tripping over itself in trying to get vaccinated their population as an additional strategy to achieve immunity and prevent grievous effects both on health and economy of the country. But there are also attempts to cut the line, and cutthroat competition with an adverse impact on low and middle socio-economic countries. Vaccinating a huge adult population is a complex process for want of experience even in advanced countries, especially for newly Introduced vaccines like COVID-19 vaccination and reaching the required coverage of at least 70% of the population for developing herd immunity will take 1-2 years. It is desirable for countries to share lessons learned from rollout to benefit from each other’s experiences. Initial experimentations with varieties of vaccine available, vaccine logistics, different strategies to scale up the expansion starting from high-risk population, aftereffects following Immunization (AEFI) and their management as the vaccines are released for emergency use. This should be taken as an opportunity for strengthening broader immunization and health systems to resolve existing weaknesses and to meet future needs for robust essential health services. Appropriate communication on the benefit-risk profile of COVID-19 vaccines remains crucial to maintain confidence in immunization programmes and to avoid vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy takes different forms for different people. For some, there is blanket scepticism and for others, it is a more specific distrust of Big Pharma. There will be some others who are naturally cautious of anything new and sudden. They need a lot of re-assurance before being able to accept the vaccine. Social media is giving wrong information about the vaccine and there are many avid followers of the same. Immunization is a global public good, with a significant segment of non- enthusiastic people. Therefore, every country must ensure universal and equitable access to safe, efficacious, and affordable vaccines, optimal use of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics

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Compliance Indicators of COVID-19 Prevention and Vaccines Hesitancy in Kenya: A Random-Effects Endogenous Probit Model

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1359

Author(s):

Abayomi Samuel Oyekale

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Immune System ◽

Random Effects ◽

Formal Education ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Probit Regression ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Health Disorders

Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health concern in the effort towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the effects of indicators of compliance with preventive practices on the willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines in Kenya. The data were from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Phone Surveys conducted between January and June 2021 during the fourth and fifth waves. The data were analyzed with the random-effects endogenous Probit regression model, with estimated parameters tested for robustness and stability. The results showed that willingness to take vaccines increased between the fourth and fifth waves. Compliance with many of the preventive practices also improved, although the utilizations of immune system-promoting practices were very low. The panel Probit regression results showed that compliance indicators were truly endogenous and there was existence of random effects. Immune system-boosting and contact-prevention indicators significantly increased and decreased the willingness to take vaccines, respectively (p < 0.01). The experience of mental health disorders in the form of nervousness and hopelessness also significantly influenced vaccine hesitancy (p < 0.10). Willingness to take vaccines also significantly increased among older people and those with a formal education (p < 0.01). Different forms of association exist between vaccine hesitancy and the prevention compliance indicators. There is a need to properly sensitize the people to the need to complement compliance with COVID-19 contact-prevention indicators with vaccination. Addressing mental health disorders in the form of loneliness, nervousness, depression, hopelessness and anxiety should also become the focus of public health, while efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy should focus on individuals without formal education, males and youths.

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The utility of non-formal education in addressing the school dropout phenomenon : a case study of Asifundeni Secondary School in Makonde District Zimbabwe

Journal of African Education ◽

10.31920/2633-2930/2020/s1n3a3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 41-69

Author(s):

Francis Muchenje ◽

◽

Pedzisai Goronga

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

Formal Education ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

School Dropout ◽

School Level ◽

Research Approach ◽

Community Members ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Secondary School Level

The study sought to explore students' views on the utility of non-formal education in addressing the school dropout phenomenon at secondary school level. Qualitative research approach was adopted and a case study design was utilised. The population consisted of all the students in the non-formal programme at the school from which a sample of 11 students (2 male and 9 female) was selected through purposive stratified sampling technique. Data were gathered through structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Non-formal education was seen to address the school dropout phenomenon by providing school drop outs with an opportunity to continue their education and hence becomes a form of empowerment. A number of challenges such as lack of adequate tuition in some subjects, lack of conducive learning environment as well as negative perception of non-formal education held by pupils in the formal stream and community members were identified. The study recommends that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should review the staffing situation in schools to ensure the availability of teachers in the various subjects in the non-formal stream. Schools should make an effort to provide appropriate learning facilities for students in the nonformal stream. Furthermore, schools should conscientise their communities on the importance of non-formal education.

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Are We Ready for the Arrival of the New COVID-19 Vaccinations? Great Promises and Unknown Challenges Still to Come

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9020173 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 173

Author(s):

Davide Gori ◽

Chiara Reno ◽

Daniel Remondini ◽

Francesco Durazzi ◽

Maria Pia Fantini

Keyword(s):

Herd Immunity ◽

The Elderly ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Current Crisis ◽

Complex Issue ◽

The Public ◽

The Social ◽

To Come ◽

Vaccination Campaigns ◽

The Eu

While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to strike and collect its death toll throughout the globe, as of 31 January 2021, the vaccine candidates worldwide were 292, of which 70 were in clinical testing. Several vaccines have been approved worldwide, and in particular, three have been so far authorized for use in the EU. Vaccination can be, in fact, an efficient way to mitigate the devastating effect of the pandemic and offer protection to some vulnerable strata of the population (i.e., the elderly) and reduce the social and economic burden of the current crisis. Regardless, a question is still open: after vaccination availability for the public, will vaccination campaigns be effective in reaching all the strata and a sufficient number of people in order to guarantee herd immunity? In other words: after we have it, will we be able to use it? Following the trends in vaccine hesitancy in recent years, there is a growing distrust of COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, the online context and competition between pro- and anti-vaxxers show a trend in which anti-vaccination movements tend to capture the attention of those who are hesitant. Describing this context and analyzing its possible causes, what interventions or strategies could be effective to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy? Will social media trend analysis be helpful in trying to solve this complex issue? Are there perspectives for an efficient implementation of COVID-19 vaccination coverage as well as for all the other vaccinations?

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Would Parents Get Their Children Vaccinated Against SARS-CoV-2? Rate and Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy According to a Survey over 5000 Families from Bologna, Italy

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9040366 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 366

Author(s):

Marco Montalti ◽

Flavia Rallo ◽

Federica Guaraldi ◽

Lapo Bartoli ◽

Giulia Po ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Web Based ◽

Safe School ◽

Efficacy Trials ◽

Adolescent Vaccination ◽

Web Social ◽

Mandatory Vaccination

In the near future, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trials in larger cohorts may offer the possibility to implement child and adolescent vaccination. The opening of the vaccination for these strata may play a key role in order to limit virus circulation, infection spreading towards the most vulnerable subjects, and plan safe school reopening. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) could limit the ability to reach the coverage threshold required to ensure herd immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of VH among parents/guardians toward a potentially available COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents. An online survey was performed in parents/guardians of children aged <18 years old, living in Bologna. Overall, 5054 questionnaires were collected. A vast majority (60.4%) of the parents/guardians were inclined to vaccinate, while 29.6% were still considering the opportunity, and 9.9% were hesitant. Highest vaccine hesitancy rates were detected in female parents/guardians of children aged 6–10 years, ≤29 years old, with low educational level, relying on information found in the web/social media, and disliking mandatory vaccination policies. Although preliminary, these data could help in designing target strategies to implement adherence to a vaccination campaign, with special regard to web-based information.

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Does message framing predict willingness to participate in a hypothetical HIV vaccine trial: An application of Prospect Theory

AIDS Care ◽

10.1080/09540121.2012.748163 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (7) ◽

pp. 910-914 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Michael Evangeli ◽

Zuhayr Kafaar ◽

Ashraf Kagee ◽

Leslie Swartz ◽

Philippa Bullemor-Day

Keyword(s):

Prospect Theory ◽

Message Framing ◽

Vaccine Trial ◽

Hiv Vaccine ◽

Willingness To Participate

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Understanding vaccine hesitancy: the evidence

Practice Nursing ◽

10.12968/pnur.2021.32.7.282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (7) ◽

pp. 282-287

Author(s):

Alison While

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Health Intervention ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Important Public Health ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

The Uk

Vaccine hesitancy is a concern both globally and within the UK. Alison While reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but its effectiveness depends upon the uptake of vaccination reaching sufficient levels to yield ‘herd’ immunity. While the majority of the UK hold positive attitudes about vaccination, some people, including health professionals, decline vaccinations. This article reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations.

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A Connecticut healthcare system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

American Journal of Disaster Medicine ◽

10.5055/ajdm.2021.0401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 195-202

Author(s):

Jane Keating, MD ◽

Lenworth Jacobs, MD, MPH, DSc, FACS, FWACS ◽

Daniel Ricaurte, MD ◽

Rocco Orlando, MD ◽

Ajay Kumar, MD ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

New England ◽

Emergency Management ◽

Adult Population ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Emergency Operations ◽

Scarce Resources ◽

The Public ◽

At Risk Populations

Connecticut was impacted severely and early on by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the state’s proximity to New York City. Hartford Healthcare (HHC), one of the largest healthcare systems in New England, became integral in the state’s response with a robust emergency management system already in place. In this manuscript, we review HHC’s prepandemic emergency operations as well as the response of the system-wide Office of Emergency Management to the initial news of the virus and throughout the evolving pandemic. Additionally, we discuss the unique acquisition of vital critical care resources and personal protective equipment, as well as the hospital personnel distribution in response to the shifting demands of the virus. The public testing and vaccination efforts, with early consideration for at risk populations, are described as well as ethical considerations of scarce resources. To date, the vaccination effort resulted in over 70 percent of the adult population being vaccinated and with 10 percent of the population having been infected, herd immunity is eminent. Finally, the preparation for reestablishing elective procedures while experiencing a second wave of the pandemic is discussed. These descriptions may be useful for other healthcare systems in both preparation and response for future catastrophic emergencies of all types.

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