VACCINE ACCEPTANCE AMONG LATE RECIPIENTS OF COVID-19 VACCINATION IN KEDAH, MALAYSIA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

COVID-19 vaccine availability has helped many countries around the world in alleviating the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. However, the smoothness of its implementation was slightly affected due to several issues such as hesitancy and even total refusal, due to several specific factors. To establish herd immunity, an adequate amount of immunization is necessary, and this issue needs to be addressed appropriately to avoid failure in efforts to curb the spread of the disease. In identifying appropriate and effective strategies to deal with this, it is important to know the factors that can influence such individuals to change their minds and eventually agree to be vaccinated. This study explores the reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among nineteen (n=19) late vaccine recipients who initially delay or refuse to be vaccinated, using an in-depth interview method and thematic analysis. Four themes and eight subthemes were identified, emphasizing the significant role of real evidence, health risk-related perceptions, peer recommendations, and higher authority enforcement in influencing the participants to finally make a U-turn. The findings of this study can be used to formulate strategies to increase vaccine acceptance rates, especially among individuals who are still reluctant.