COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among the public in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A review of the literature

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy has a significant impact on tackling infectious diseases as it has resulted in reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This review aims to provide an up-to-date evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the public in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. We searched the PubMed and SCOPUS databases for manuscripts published on vaccine hesitancy and/or acceptance among the public in GCC countries up till April 1 st , 2022. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The average vaccine hesitancy rate across GCC countries was 43%. Concerns about vaccine safety (n = 32) and effectiveness (n = 26) were most frequently associated with hesitancy. Being male (n = 25) and having positive behavior regarding the influenza vaccine or vaccines in general (n = 22) were most frequently associated with acceptance. Collaborative efforts of governments, academic bodies, and the media to provide evidence of vaccines’ effectiveness throughout history and strictly manage the spread of the vaccine safety-related rumors are warranted.

Views and perceptions of the public toward COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia

“…Data from 32 previous surveys showed different hesitancy rates to receive COVID-19 vaccine ranging from 5% to 82% in Saudi Arabia ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). Most of the studies (n=26) with a total population of 37,326 people reported a hesitancy rate of at least 21%, whereas the remaining 6 studies with a total population of 5,115 people showed a hesitancy rate of ≤ 16%.…”

“…Notably, at least 21 of the 32 surveys were conducted after the vaccine rollout in the country in January 2021, five of which were among the studies that showed low hesitancy rate (four of 32 studies did not specify the study period). Based on these previous studies from Saudi Arabia, the most common predictors of vaccine hesitancy showing significant association with the decision of not receiving the vaccine were low to moderate perceived severity of COVID-19, concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, negative behavior regarding vaccines in general, lower educational level, belief in conspiracy theories, and accepting that natural immunity is sufficient (some respondents also had a history of contracting the infection) ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). These factors were prevalent in the surveys that were done before and after the vaccine rollout.…”

“…These factors were prevalent in the surveys that were done before and after the vaccine rollout. However, a few more factors arose only after the vaccine have become available to the public, such as assuming that the vaccines have not been tested sufficiently, lower level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, mistrust in pharmaceutical companies, and fear of injections ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). The three participants in our study who expressed some level of hesitancy shared similar factors to those reported, including belief in conspiracy theories and having concerns regarding the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine.…”

“…Based on the individual’s decision or intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, three groups were identified as accepters, delayers, and refusers ( Williams, 2022 ). Many studies conducted to assess vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia were cross-sectional ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). In a review of the literature conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among the general public in Saudi Arabia, the hesitancy rate varied significantly between studies, ranging from 5% to 82% ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Many studies conducted to assess vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia were cross-sectional ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). In a review of the literature conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among the general public in Saudi Arabia, the hesitancy rate varied significantly between studies, ranging from 5% to 82% ( Alsalloum et al, 2022 ). Hence, the actual hesitancy rate is unclear, as are the motives for people deciding to accept, delay, or refuse vaccination.…”