Will Africans take COVID-19 vaccination?

The economic and humanistic impact of COVID-19 pandemic is enormous globally. No definitive treatment exists, hence accelerated development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines, offers a unique opportunity for COVID-19 prevention and control. Vaccine hesitancy may limit the success of vaccine distribution in Africa, therefore we assessed the potentials for coronavirus vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among Africans. An online cross-sectional African-wide survey was administered in Arabic, English, and French languages. Questions on demographics, self-reported health status, vaccine literacy, knowledge and perception on vaccines, past experience, behavior, infection risk, willingness to receive and affordability of the SARS-COV-2 vaccine were asked. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 5,416 individuals completed the survey. Approximately, 94% were residents of 34 African countries while the other Africans live in the Diaspora. Only 63% of all participants surveyed were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and 79% were worried about its side effects. Thirty-nine percent expressed concerns of vaccine-associated infection. The odds of vaccine hesitancy was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.30) among those who believed their risk of infection was very high, compared to those who believed otherwise. The odds of vaccine hesitancy was one-fifth (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.28) among those who believed their risk of falling sick was very high, compared to those who believed their risk of falling very sick was very low. The OR of vaccine hesitancy was 2.72 (95% CI: 2.24, 3.31) among those who have previously refused a vaccine for themselves or their child compared to counterparts with no self-reported history of vaccine hesitancy. Participants want the vaccines to be mandatory (40%), provided free of charge (78%) and distributed in homes and offices (44%). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is substantial among Africans based on perceived risk of coronavirus infection and past experiences.

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Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines among the Saudi Population and Vaccine Uptake During the Initial Stage of the National Vaccination Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 765

Author(s):

Amel Ahmed Fayed ◽

Abeer Salem Al Shahrani ◽

Leenah Tawfiq Almanea ◽

Nardeen Ibrahim Alsweed ◽

Layla Mohammed Almarzoug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Influenza Vaccines ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

To Receive

This study aimed to assess the willingness to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza vaccines and vaccine uptake during the early stage of the national vaccination campaign in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult Saudis between 20 January and 20 March 2021. The questionnaire addressed vaccine hesitancy, perceived risk, willingness, and vaccine uptake. Approximately 39% of the participants expressed vaccine hesitancy, and 29.8% and 24% felt highly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, respectively. The majority (59.5%) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, although only 31.7% were willing to receive the flu vaccine. Adjusted analysis showed that vaccine hesitancy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.27–0.43) and the perception of being at high risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.68–4.60) independently affected the intention to be vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy was similar among those who were willing to be vaccinated (29.8%) and those who had already been vaccinated (33.1%). The perceived risk was significantly higher among those who had been vaccinated (48.1%) than among those who were willing to be vaccinated but had not yet been vaccinated (29.1%). In conclusion, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia is high. Saudis who received the vaccine had a similar level of vaccine hesitancy and a higher level of perceived risk.

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Adenovirus and RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines’ perceptions and acceptance among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048586 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e048586

Author(s):

Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽

Mazin Barry ◽

Fadi Aljamaan ◽

Abdullah Alhuzaimi ◽

Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Vectored Vaccine ◽

To Receive

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the perception, confidence, hesitancy and acceptance rate of various COVID-19 vaccine types among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, a nation with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus experience.DesignNational cross-sectional, pilot-validated questionnaire.SettingOnline, self-administered questionnaire among HCWs.ParticipantsA total of 2007 HCWs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated; 1512 (75.3%) participants completed the survey and were included in the analysis.InterventionData were collected through an online survey sent to HCWs during 1–15 November 2020. The main outcome measure was HCW acceptance of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. The associated factors of vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis and via measurement of the level of anxiety, using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale.ResultsAmong the 1512 HCWs who were included, 62.4% were women, 70.3% were between 21 and 40 years of age, and the majority (62.2%) were from tertiary hospitals. In addition, 59.5% reported knowing about at least one vaccine; 24.4% of the participants were sure about their willingness to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and 20.9% were willing to receive the RNA BNT162b2 vaccine. However, 18.3% reported that they would refuse to receive the Ad5-vectored vaccine, and 17.9% would refuse the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine. Factors that influenced the differential readiness of HCWs included their perceptions of the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing the infection (33%), their personal preferences (29%) and the vaccine’s manufacturing country (28.6%).ConclusionsAwareness by HCWs of the several COVID-19 candidate vaccines could improve their perceptions and acceptance of vaccination. Reliable sources on vaccine efficiency could improve vaccine uptake, so healthcare authorities should use reliable information to decrease vaccine hesitancy among frontline healthcare providers.

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Acceptance Rates and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.4269/ajtmh.21-0297 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Farah Yasmin ◽

Waleed Asghar ◽

Maryam Salma Babar ◽

Hiba Khan ◽

Shoaib Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Polio Vaccination ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

To Receive ◽

Do So

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective.

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1172. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Caregivers of Hospitalized Children

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1365 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S677-S677

Author(s):

Marisa Orbea ◽

Rachel Cunningham ◽

C Mary Healy ◽

Julie A Boom ◽

Claire Bocchini

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Hospitalized Children ◽

Parent Attitudes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Childhood Vaccines ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is hindering nationwide vaccination efforts; little is known about caregiver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance for children. We aimed to identify associations with SARS-CoV-2 VH in caregivers of hospitalized children. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 months - 18 years at a large pediatric medical institution. Parents were approached daily, averaging 4-5 days/week, from 12/8/2020--4/5/2021. VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Responses were categorized. Results 295/307 (96%) of approached caregivers enrolled; 79% were ≥ 30 years, 68% were married/ living with a partner, and 57% had at least some college. 36% identified as white, 19% Black, and 46% Hispanic/ Latino. 53% of caregiver children had public insurance. 91% of caregivers self-reported their children were up to date with routine vaccines. 17% of caregivers were vaccine-hesitant overall. 50% of caregivers were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine themselves. Figure 1 shows intention to vaccinate their child by PACV score. 65% knew someone who was hospitalized for COVID-19. 67% were scared of their child getting COVID-19. However, 49% were scared of their child getting the vaccine, 28% did not want to vaccinate their child and 27% were neutral in the intention to vaccinate their child. Caregivers who did not intend to vaccinate their child were more likely to be Black (27% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and less likely to be Hispanic/ Latino (33% vs. 49%, p=0.02). Table 1 shows attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine in caregivers who did or did not intend to vaccinate their child. Figure 1 COVID-19 vaccine uptake by PACV score Table 1 Caregiver attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusion The majority of caregivers believe that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will help control the pandemic, but less than half plan to vaccinate their children. A quarter of caregivers expressed uncertainty regarding the vaccine and therefore may be amenable to education and discussion. COVID-19 VH is different from VH towards routine vaccinations. More research is needed to address COVID-19 specific VH. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom (Shareholder)Intuitive (Shareholder)Quidel Corporation (Shareholder)Up to Date (Other Financial or Material Support, Honorarium)Vapotherm (Shareholder)

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Acceptability of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Vaccine Among Medical Students in Uganda: a Cross Sectional Study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-425207/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Marvin Kanyike ◽

Ronald Olum ◽

Jonathan Kajjimu ◽

Daniel Ojilong ◽

Grabriel Madut Akech ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Future Health ◽

Vaccine Acceptability ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Future ◽

Global Threat

Abstract Background COVID-19 is still a major global threat and vaccination remains the long-lasting solution. Unanimous uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is required to subsequently avert its spread. We therefore, assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptability, hesitancy, and associated factors among medical students in Uganda. Methods This study employed an online descriptive cross-sectional survey among medical students across 10 medical schools in Uganda. A structured questionnaire as a Google form was sent to participants via WhatsApp. Data was extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and STATA 16. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results We surveyed 600 medical students, 377 (62.8%) were male. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptability were 30.7% and 37.3%, respectively. Factors associated with vaccine acceptability were being female (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9, p = 0.001), being single (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9, p = 0.022). Very high (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.7–6.9, p < 0.001) or moderate (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1, p = 0.008) perceived risk of getting COVID-19 in the future, receiving any vaccine in the past 5 years (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.5, p = 0.017), and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9, p = 0.036). Conclusions This study revealed low levels of acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccine among medical students, low self-perceived risks of COVID-19, and many had relied on social media that provided them with negative information. This poses an evident risk on the battle towards COVID-19 in the future especially when these future health professions are expected to be influencing decisions of the general public towards the same.

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Corowa-kun: Impact of a COVID-19 vaccine information chatbot on vaccine hesitancy, Japan 2021

10.1101/2021.05.26.21257854 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Takaaki Kobayashi ◽

Yuka Nishina ◽

Hana Tomoi ◽

Ko Harada ◽

Kyuto Tanaka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Confidential Interval ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Factors Associated ◽

History Of ◽

Flu Vaccine ◽

Vaccine Information ◽

To Receive

Background: Few studies have assessed how mobile messenger apps affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We created a COVID-19 vaccine information chatbot in a popular messenger app in Japan to answer commonly asked questions. Methods: LINE is the most popular messenger app in Japan. Corowa-kun, a free chatbot, was created in LINE on February 6, 2021. Corowa-kun provides instant, automated answers to frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine questions. In addition, a cross-sectional survey assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was conducted via Corowa-kun during April 5 to 12, 2021. Results: A total of 59,676 persons used Corowa-kun during February to April 2021. Of them, 10,192 users (17%) participated in the survey. Median age was 55 years (range 16 to 97), and most were female (74%). Intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 59% to 80% after using Corowa-kun (p < 0.01). Overall, 20% remained hesitant: 16% (1,675) were unsure, and 4% (364) did not intend to be vaccinated. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were: age 16 to 34 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 3.0-4.6, compared to age ≥ 65), female sex (OR = 2.4, Cl: 2.1-2.8), and history of another vaccine side-effect (OR = 2.5, Cl: 2.2-2.9). Being a physician (OR = 0.2, Cl: 0.1-0.4) and having received a flu vaccine the prior season (OR = 0.4, Cl: 0.3-0.4) were protective. Conclusions: Corowa-kun reduced vaccine hesitancy by providing COVID-19 vaccine information in a messenger app. Mobile messenger apps could be leveraged to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

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A machine learning approach to identify psychological factors driving vaccine hesitancy in high income countries

10.21203/rs.3.rs-787170/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tania Lincoln ◽

Björn Schlier ◽

Felix Strakeljahn ◽

Brandon Gaudiano ◽

Suzanne So ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Social Rank ◽

Female Gender ◽

Machine Learning Algorithms ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Conspiracy Beliefs ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Abstract Understanding factors driving vaccine hesitancy is crucial to vaccination success. We surveyed adults (N=2510) from February to March 2021 across five sites (Australia=502, Germany=516, Hong Kong=445, UK=512, USA=535) using a cross-sectional design and stratified quota sampling for age, sex, and education. We assessed willingness to take a vaccine and a comprehensive set of putative predictors. Predictive power was analysed with regression analyses and machine learning algorithms. Only 57.4% of the participants indicated that they would definitely or probably get vaccinated. A parsimonious machine-learning model could identify vaccine hesitancy with high accuracy (i.e. 83% sensitivity and 82% specificity) using 10 variables only. The most relevant predictors were vaccination conspiracy beliefs, paranoid concerns related to the pandemic, COVID anxiety, high perceived risk of infection, low perceived social rank, lower age, and female gender. Campaigns seeking to increase vaccine uptake need to take mistrust as the main driver of vaccine hesitancy into account.

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Risk Perception and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Against COVID-19 in a Hypertensive Population From a Semi-Urban City of Ecuador

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.734065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Teresa Aumala ◽

Maria Cardenas ◽

Daniel Vergara ◽

Monserrate Vasconez ◽

Ivan Palacios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Telephone Surveys ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Urban City ◽

Previous Diagnosis ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽

Very High

Background: In an elderly population with hypertension, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with a higher incidence of mortality and a protracted course of clinical symptoms.Objective: To assess the perceived risk of infection and complications due to COVID-19 in people with hypertension living in a semi-urban city of Ecuador.Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey of adult outpatients with a previous diagnosis of hypertension in the semi-urban community of Conocoto in Quito, Ecuador was conducted from August to December 2020.Results: A total of 260 adult outpatients, aged 34–97 years, completed telephone surveys. Of total, 71.5% (n = 186) of respondents were women and 28.5% (n = 74) of respondents were men. Overall, 18.1% believe that their risk of infection is “very high,” 55.4% believe that their risk of infection is “high,” 21.5% believe that their risk of infection is “low,” and 5% believe that their risk of infection is “very low.” The perceived risk of complications, if infected by COVID-19, revealed that 21.9% believe that their risk of complication is “very high,” 65.0% believe that their risk of complication is “high,” 10.4% believe that their risk of complication is “low,” and 2.7% believe that their risk of complication is “very low.”Conclusion: Patients with hypertension are aware of the risks posed by COVID-19 infection and its impact on their health. However, the health system must educate the population on health practices and behaviors to avoid COVID-19 infection until the majority of the population of Ecuador can be vaccinated.

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Likelihood of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Individuals Living With Psoriatic Disease: Results From a Large Real-World Survey

Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

10.1177/24755303211067822 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 247553032110678

Author(s):

George C. Gondo ◽

Megan H. Noe ◽

Stacie J. Bell ◽

Christopher T. Ritchlin

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Annual Household Income ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psoriatic Disease ◽

Flu Vaccine ◽

To Receive

Introduction: Development and dissemination of novel COVID-19 vaccines represent an opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating an estimated 80% of the population. Objectives: This study examines perceptions, and demographic and clinical factors influencing the likelihood of adults with psoriasis receiving a novel COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from October–November 2020 of 1405 adults with psoriatic disease with prior contact to a patient advocacy organization. The main outcome of interest was the likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Chi-square tests and logistic regression examined the relationship between individual characteristics and likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Most participants (65%) received a flu vaccination in the last 12 months and were (64.2%) likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, while 35.9% reported being unlikely receive a vaccine. Likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination was associated with receiving the flu vaccine, race, ethnicity, sex, BMI, age, income, severity of PsO and PsA. When controlling for ethnicity, race, male sex, overweight/obese status, age, biologic use, disease type, comorbidities linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes, PsA symptoms, and skin disease severity, individuals who received the flu vaccine and those with annual household income over $75,000 were most likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy among individuals with psoriatic disease is considerable. Dermatologists and rheumatologists can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by actively engaging their patients on this topic using guidance published by the National Psoriasis Foundation on the management of psoriatic disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Examining Vaccine Hesitancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey of the Knowledge and Attitudes among Adults to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines in Ghana

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 814

Author(s):

Theophilus Acheampong ◽

Eli A. Akorsikumah ◽

John Osae-Kwapong ◽

Musah Khalid ◽

Alfred Appiah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Online Survey ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Iterative Proportional Fitting ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

To Receive

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination programmes on disease transmission, morbidity and mortality relies heavily on the population’s willingness to accept the vaccine. We explore Ghanaian adult citizens’ vaccine hesitancy attitudes and identify the likelihood of participation or non-participation in the government’s effort to get citizens vaccinated. A fully anonymised cross-sectional online survey of 2345 adult Ghanaians was conducted from 23 to 28 February 2021. Differences in intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were explored using Pearson Chi-square tests. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse the factors associated with willingness to receive vaccines. Responses were weighted using the iterative proportional fitting technique to generate a representative sample. About half (51%) of mostly urban adult Ghanaians over 15 years are likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine if made generally available. Almost a fifth (21%) of the respondents were unlikely to take the vaccine, while another 28% were undecided. Additionally, we find differences in vaccine hesitancy among some socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and primary sources of information. Attaining the proverbial 63% to 70% herd immunity threshold in Ghana is only possible if the preventive vaccination programmes are combined with an enhanced and coordinated public education campaign. Such a campaign should focus on promoting the individual and population-level benefits of vaccination and pre-emptive efforts towards addressing misinformation about vaccines.

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