Factors Associated with Low Participation of Covid-19 Vaccination Program in the Elderly, in Karanganyar Health Center, South Lampung: A Qualitative Study

Background: Older adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Getting very sicks means that older adults with COVID-19 might need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they might even die. According to World Health Organization, older people should be prioritized for vaccination. However, previous studies have reported COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and low participation in older adults. This study aimed to determine factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination among the elderly at Karang Anyar Health Center, South Lampung. Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study with phenomenological approach conducted at Karang Anyar Health Center, South Lampung, from June to July 2021. A sample of 15 elderly was selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected by indepth interview and analyzed descriptively. Results: The majority of subjects were 66-70 years of age (53.33%) and female (60%). The factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination included: (1) Lack of knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the elderly; (2) Lack of support from their families for COVID-19 vaccination; and (3) Weak implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly. Conclusion: The factors associated with low participation in COVID-19 vaccination include lack of knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the elderly and family, as well as weak implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program for the elderly.