Low Covid-19 Vaccination Rate in Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction: Misinformation and fake news feed the fears that many people have of the approved vaccines against Covid-19 around the world. In Bulgaria, it is no different. The latest statistics indicate Bulgaria as the EU country with the lowest percentage of adults with completed vaccination status. To date, the cumulative number of confirmed deaths since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded 26,000. Aim/Objective: This report presents an analysis of the results of a study of attitudes towards Covid-19 vaccination in Ruse district, Bulgaria. Material and Methods: The survey was conducted in the period October 25 - November 14 2021, and covered 549 adults. Despite the high levels of information awareness in Bulgaria, a low vaccination rate has been reported. Results: Of all respondents, only 26.0% (143 n) were vaccinated against Covid-19. At the time of the survey, there were no national orders for a mandatory EU COVID Certificate required for all indoor activities. Discussion: What is really worrying is the fact that 4.9% (20 n) of unvaccinated respondents openly state that they will find a way to buy a fake EU COVID certificate if it becomes mandatory. This intention has been reported across all age groups, working-age population, and mainly among those living in cities and with completed secondary education. Conclusion: In our opinion, increasing the control over the issuance of COVID vaccination certificates and respectively, eliminating the possibility for issuing fake ones should be a national policy for our countr