Decoding COVID-19 vaccine hesitation: a qualitative study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new global reality, requiring societies to confront an unfamiliar disease and its effects. Countries faced two significant challenges: developing an effective vaccine and addressing vaccine hesitancy, a key barrier to achieving widespread inoculation. In 2019, the WHO identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health. The success of vaccination campaigns depends on public trust and willingness to accept the vaccine. India initiated its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive on 16 January 2021, prioritizing front-line workers. However, despite repeated efforts, vaccine hesitancy persisted among some healthcare personnel. So, to explore the underlying individualized reasons of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers a qualitative study was conducted, as their opinions significantly influence public attitudes toward vaccination. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers and students at a tertiary health center in Odisha, India. Twelve participants were purposively selected from various departments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore attitudes and beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Data from the interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the thematic framework method. Three primary themes were emerged from the analysis: mental dynamics, socio-economic discourse, and governance. The subthemes of mental dynamics include fear, personal support network, belief and perceptions and trust. In socioeconomic discourse personal support network & information distortion. Concerns about vaccine efficacy were prevalent. Vaccine hesitancy in India is driven by factors such as misinformation, mistrust, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences. Addressing these concerns through targeted, evidence-based communication is essential for successful vaccination campaigns.