COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Study

Abstract

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic requires achieving herd immunity, either by previous infection or by vaccination. However, concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine are growing around the globe. The current study was conducted to investigate young the adult population’s hesitancy towards the vaccine. The study used a prospective cross-sectional design. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 862 Saudi adults participated. Information was gathered on the participants’ perspectives towards the severity and susceptibility of the COVID-19 infection, reasons for their hesitancy to receive the vaccine, perceived benefits, and reasons for action. Just under a quarter (19.6%) of respondents had previously tested positive for COVID-19. A small minority of the participants had already received the vaccine (2.1%), while 20.3% had registered in the Sehaty app (application) to receive the vaccine. Just under half of them (48%) will take the vaccine when mass vaccination is achieved and approximately the same number (46.7%) will only take it if it is made mandatory. Vaccine reluctance is highly prevalent among the general public in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many are aware of a high likelihood of getting the infection, the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine were reported as barriers to vaccination.

Socio-Demographics Correlate of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey in Saudi Arabia

“…Our study also highlighted that public trust on the healthcare system and risk perception toward the virus were the significant predictive behavior in accepting the vaccine, as stated in previous studies ( 20 – 24 ).…”

“…The healthcare workers reported 50.52% willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia ( 21 ). The young adults have a lower acceptability (48.0%) of the vaccine in Saudi Arabia, as reported in a recent study ( 20 ). A study conducted among working people in Hong Kong, China, also reported a lower rate of intention in vaccination between the first wave (44.2%) and the third wave (34.8%) ( 17 ).…”

“…The findings showed that a high proportion (64.7%) of the study participants demonstrated intention and desire to receive the vaccine ( 19 ). About half (46.7%) of the young adult population reported taking the COVID-19 vaccine if made mandatory in Saudi Arabia ( 20 ). Another study showed that 50.52% of healthcare workers were willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.…”

Assessing the Knowledge and Attitude toward COVID-19 Vaccination in Saudi Arabia

“…Vaccine effectiveness is one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy among the population. A previous study has reported that 49.9% of their participants agreed that the effectiveness of the vaccine is the reason for their hesitancy [13]. Similarly, in our study, the majority of participants agreed that there is a need for vaccination; yet, safety and efficacy of the vaccine has been the major cause of hesitancy in the general population.…”

Assessing the level and determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Kenya

“…Fifth, consistent with other studies, those who had concerns over COVID-19 vaccines' side-effects and effectiveness were more likely to be vaccine hesitant [26,[28][29][30]. This highlights the prevailing environment where there is heightened concern about the effectiveness and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.…”