COVID-19 Vaccination drive: Impact on the acceptance of vaccine among the general population of India

Abstract

The acceptance of any vaccine relies on the belief and perception towards it. After a wait of almost 10 months, the COVID-19 vaccine is ready with the first phase in progress in India. The aim of this study is to assess the impact on the acceptance intentions of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of India after the vaccine is inoculated to health care workers in the first phase. An empirical study was conducted by analyzing the data collected by a self-administered questionnaire. The various variables that were addressed were the socio-demographic variables, past behavior of participants towards such seasonal influenza vaccine, awareness about the vaccine and adoption intention post vaccination drive. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between various variables and the predicting variables for the vaccine acceptance. Majority of them were ready for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there was a decline in the acceptance rate post vaccination drive. Age, Gender and Region were found as the major factors affecting this decision. To analyse, 1. The shift in confidence level in COVID-19 vaccine; 2. The role of Social Influence (SI) towards COVID-19 vaccine; 3. The role of past behavior towards seasonal influenza vaccines (Swine Flu, Ebola or similar) in acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine; 4. The association bet ween awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine and rate of adoption.: The study was conducted by analyzing the data collected by a self-administered questionnaire that was shared online across India in January 2021 – February 2021. The variables that were addressed through the questionnaire were the socio-demographic variables, past behavior of participants towards such seasonal influenza vaccine, awareness about the vaccine and adoption intention post vaccination drive. Associations between various variables were observed during analysis. Logistic regression was also used to identify the predicting variables for the vaccine acceptance. Statistical analysis used: Odds Ratio, p-value, logistic regression Out of 456 respondents, 59.21% were ready to uptake the COVID-19 vaccination, whereas 16.67% respondents declined to take the vaccine. There were 24.12% respondents who were not sure about the acceptance of the vaccine. Younger age groups specifically male from Northern India were more likely to accept the vaccine. The major findings of the study shows that after the start of implementation of COVID-19 vaccination drive, there is a drop in the number of people who are ready to take the vaccine as compared to the number before the arrival of the vaccine. This may lead to the conclusion that the faith of general people of India has declined in the COVID-19 vaccine post vaccination drive.

The association of age, gender, education and employment status with potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine in Southern Kerala, India

“…According to a cross-sectional study among the general public of south India reported an acceptance rate of 69% among its population. 15 In our study finding, the results indicate higher acceptance rate of 55% in males followed by 45% in females. Higher rate of acceptance was found among males than females.…”

“…According to the study conducted by Bhargava et al it was found that participants with postgraduation educational status showed higher acceptance rate of 59.7%, whereas undergraduate showed acceptance of 57.7%. 15 According to the results from our study highest rate of acceptance was found to be in postgraduates (35%) and undergraduate (31%). The responders with 29% of vaccine acceptance were found to be in people with secondary education (9-12 std).…”

“…The study by Bhargava et al reported that subjects with self-employment showed 64.5% acceptance of acceptance rate whereas non-employed showed 57.62% of acceptance. [11][12][13][14][15] According to our study results "employed" participants showed 54% acceptance rate and "unemployed" subjects have 30% acceptance while 16% is acceptance among students.…”

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-spike IgM, IgG, and anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies during the second wave of the pandemic: A population-based cross-sectional survey across Kashmir, India

“…Looking at the statistics, it is revealed that approximately up to 13 to 17% of people aged more than 60 years were infected in the first wave and almost the same percentage in the second wave ( 28 , 29 ), and this group was also among the first categories in which the vaccination was started and by the time of the second wave many of them were due for the second dose of their vaccine which can lead to seropositivity for anti-spike IgM and IgG antibodies. Furthermore, for the elderly who were positive previously or had their family members positive, it is expected to have more acceptive behavior and practice for the vaccine, so the presence of anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibody, as already stated, may be a sign of previous recent past infection in them ( 30 – 33 ). Those with comorbidity and with female gender also had a higher seroprevalence of the three antibodies as compared to their counterparts; same factors as stated in the elderly age can explain the scenario.…”

Strengthening Behavioral Patterns Impacting COVID-19 Vaccination and Oral Health Amidst the Looming Third Wave Scenario—Need of the Hour!

“…Various studies have shown that the acceptance rate varied from 41 to 81.3% among population groups. 11 12 A global survey analyzing the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among 10 low and middle income countries have shown that the vaccine acceptance rate was 80.3%. 13 However, as of August 2021, only 8.9% of the total population have been vaccinated in India.…”