COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Adult General Population of India

Abstract

Ab s t r Ac t Aim and background: Two vaccines for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), by Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India, have been approved by the Indian Government for administration. This study attempts to analyze vaccine hesitancy in the general adult population of India. Materials and methods: A pan-India cross-sectional survey, adapted for GoogleForms®, was circulated before the rollout of vaccines to assess vaccine hesitancy. Continuous variables are expressed as mean ± SD and categorical variables as a percentage. The Chi-square test was used for associations. Results: Seven hundred and sixty-two responses were analyzed. 27.2% of respondents demonstrated vaccine hesitancy. 59.4% of vaccine acceptors preferred getting the vaccine from government healthcare establishments over private-sector establishments. No significant associations were observed between vaccine acceptance and age or gender. Those who accepted the vaccine were more likely to believe that it should be compulsory (p = 0.00001) and safety measures should be continued even after vaccine administration (p = 0.043). IT-related professionals showed 82.6% vaccine acceptance, healthcare professionals displayed 73.5%, while lawyers showed 53.3% acceptance. There was no association between vaccine acceptance and being a frontline worker, previously having COVID-19, or having a family member who suffered from COVID-19. Despite Delhi and Maharashtra being the highest COVID-19 burden areas, the general population of these two states was more likely to refuse the vaccine than the residents of other states (p = 0.027). Conclusion: This study identified the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in the Indian population. Consistent dialogue between the government and the public is essential for trust-building. Educational intervention through an evidenced-based approach by government authorities is the need of the hour.