Navigating Vaccine Uncertainty: Anxiety and Fourth Dose Hesitancy Among Saudi Adults

Abstract

Background The continuous evolution of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and early evidence of declining effectiveness of the third dose over time have generated anxiety and hesitancy regarding vaccinations. The current study aimed to assess anxiety levels and the willingness to receive a fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Potential factors leading to this reluctance were also assessed. Methodology This was a cross-sectional cohort study conducted among the adult Saudi population. A questionnaire including demographic data, questions regarding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessment, and questions related to accepting the vaccine and reasons for hesitancy was employed. Results Of the 1,924 participants who responded, 1,033 were males, and 891 were females. Among the respondents, a significant level of anxiety toward receiving the fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was reported in 1,097 cases, representing 57% of the total, with varying degrees of anxiety. Both gender and age were identified as co-factors contributing to this anxiety. A substantial portion of the participants, 1,369 individuals, accounting for 71.2%, exhibited vaccine hesitancy and reluctance to receive the fourth dose. Conclusions Our findings underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions to combat vaccine hesitancy and alleviate associated anxieties, particularly among the adult Saudi population. As we persist in confronting the ongoing challenges brought about by the evolving pandemic, it is crucial that we customize our vaccination campaigns and communication strategies to tackle the apprehensions and hesitations of the Saudi population directly.