FACTORS INFUENCING COVID-19 VACCINE UPTAKE AMONG COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ONDO STATE

Author Name: Dr. Oluwagbemi EBUN Professor Adebimpe Wasiu Olalekan

Volume/Issue: 02/08

Country: Nigeria

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/01.2022-97529298/UIJIR

Affiliation:

School of Public Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among community members in Ondo state of Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was employed. The population consisted of all Male and Female households from the 18 local governments in Ondo states of Nigeria. A representative sample of 600 respondents was randomly selected from the six Local Governments and six major towns in Ondo State using questionnaire instrument. Test-retest method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. Data collection was carried out by the researcher. The four postulated Null hypotheses were tested using the descriptive statistics of chi-square at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Information was obtained on the factors influencing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among community members in the state. The findings of the study revealed that the major barriers to vaccine uptake includes; low perception of risk to COVID-19 vaccines, low confidence in the vaccine, misinformation on the vaccine and side effects following vaccination. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that the On-going community engagement is essential as health messages and vaccine distribution strategies must be sensitive to local communities. Interventions should include ongoing open dialogue with communities to reassure people about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and to increase awareness and understanding and to address different religious and cultural concerns within families.

Key words: Coronavirus, Epidemics, misinformation, herd immunity, perception and vaccination.