Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake in a Transborder Population at the Mexico–Guatemala Border, September–November 2021

Abstract

Assessing COVID-19 vaccination uptake of transborder populations is critical for informing public health policies. We conducted a probability (time-venue) survey of adults crossing from Mexico into Guatemala from September to November 2021, with the objective of describing COVID-19 vaccination status, willingness to get vaccinated, and associated factors. The main outcomes were receipt of ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, being fully vaccinated, and willingness to get vaccinated. We assessed the association of outcomes with sociodemographic characteristics using logistic regressions. Of 6518 participants, 50.6% (95%CI 48.3,53.0) were vaccinated (at least one dose); 23.3% (95%CI 21.4,25.2) were unvaccinated but willing to get vaccinated, and 26.1% (95%CI 24.1,28.3) were unvaccinated and unwilling to get vaccinated. Those living in Mexico, independent of country of birth, had the highest proportion vaccinated. The main reason for unwillingness was fear of side effects of COVID-19 vaccines (47.7%, 95%CI 43.6,51.9). Education level was positively associated with the odds of partial and full vaccination as well as willingness to get vaccinated. People identified as Catholic had higher odds of getting vaccinated and being fully vaccinated than members of other religious groups or the non-religious. Further studies should explore barriers to vaccination among those willing to get vaccinated and the motives of the unwilling.

Prevalence, Clinical Profile and Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infection in Douala, Cameroon

“…In this study, vaccination uptake rate was increased in patients with higher level of education, which support findings from studies conducted elsewhere 27,30,49,53 . Higher educational level is known to be associated with better access and understanding of knowledge on dangerousness and prevention of diseases.…”

“…The COVID-19 vaccination uptake was relatively low in the study, which is lower than that reported previously in Cameroon 24,25 and a global estimate of COVID-19 vaccination uptake rate reported by Zhang and colleagues 15 . Other studies reported higher vaccine uptake in specific groups such as elderly persons, college students and transborder populations [26][27][28] . Several factors drive the intention to accept, delay and abstain from vaccination and these include trust in vaccine approval, the perceived effectiveness of the vaccine for protecting others and conspiracy beliefs 29,30 .…”

A characterization of cross-border use of health services in a transborder population at the Mexico-Guatemala border, September–November 2021

“…This was a cross-sectional survey conducted from September 15 to November 15, 2021 in three cities on the Guatemalan side of the border (El Carmen, La Mesilla, and Tecún Umán), representing the main points of entry on the shared border (98% of all registered land arrivals in the Mexican state of Chiapas occur via these three Guatemala cities) [ 16 , 18 ]. The survey’s methods have been described in detail in a previous article describing COVID-19 vaccination and acceptance [ 20 ].…”

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of death in COVID‐19 hospitalizations in Mexico 2020: A retrospective cohort study

“…4,5 A total of 200,000,000 doses have been administered, which roughly approximates to threequarters of the population receiving a dose. 6,7 Even so, Latin America continues to have a disproportionate burden of disease. 8,9 Mexico has increased comorbidities and age.…”

“…Since then, over 7 million confirmed cases of COVID‐19 and over 300,000 have occurred in Mexico 4,5 . A total of 200,000,000 doses have been administered, which roughly approximates to three‐quarters of the population receiving a dose 6,7 . Even so, Latin America continues to have a disproportionate burden of disease 8,9 …”