Prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy in an urbanized agglomeration of New Delhi, India

Abstract

Background The immunization program has been an important part of Indian public health policy for three decades; yet only 62% of children are being fully immunized. Vaccine hesitancy is a major contributor to the immunization gap that needs to be addressed. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study of prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy was conducted in 350 households having at least one child in the age group of 13–24 months. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 28.9%. Fear of needles, concern about pain during vaccination, lack of family support, and apprehension regarding side effects were ascertained as reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The type of family, time taken to reach the health facility and antenatal care received by the mother were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was found to be high. In 2019, the World Health Organization earmarked vaccine hesitancy as one of the major roadblocks to better global health. A better understanding of the subject can help public health agencies enhance vaccination coverage, not just in children but also as a tool to protect entire populations in this age of re-emerging epidemics.

COVID-19 risk of infection and vaccination during Ramadan fasting: knowledge and attitudes of Bangladeshi general population

“…In a cross-sectional study conducted among Italian parent's attitudes on their children's vaccination, 24.6% reported refusing or delayed taking at least one dose of vaccine for their child [ 9 ]. A recent study from New Delhi, India, had found the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 28.9% [ 10 ].…”

Prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy among mothers of under-five children: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

“…The findings of our study are nearly similar to studies conducted in West Bengal (29.26%) and New Delhi (28.90). [ 22 25 ] In contrast, a global survey of vaccine hesitancy revealed a 12.5% of prevalence in India. [ 26 ] Also, a few studies conducted in Madhya Pradesh (19.7%), Karnataka (3.40%), Chandigarh (10.00), and Odisha (26.54%) revealed a low prevalence rate compared to our study.…”

“…Our findings are nearly similar to the results of studies conducted in West Bengal and New Delhi. [ 22 25 ] There was a significant association between literacy and vaccine hesitancy. In the current study, mothers with primary and middle-class education levels and illiterates showed high vaccine hesitancy with P < 0.05.…”

“…Epi-Info-7 Dos Version 7.2.5.0 software was used to estimate the sample size by considering 29.0% of vaccine hesitancy estimated in a community-based, cross-sectional survey conducted in Delhi, India. [ 22 ] By setting a 4% (95% CI: 25%–33%) margin error, 80% of power, 1% of design effect 1%, the sample size was estimated as 497. By assuming a 10% of non-response rate from the participants, the final sample size obtained was 547.…”

Prediction Model for COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among the Mobile Population in China: Validation and Stability

“…Guidry et al found that insurance, education, susceptibility to COVID-19, vaccine benefits, scores of vaccine barriers, subjective norms scores, attitudes towards the vaccine and self-efficacy were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intentions [3]. Meanwhile, concerns about the hasty development of the COVID-19 vaccine [3], fear of needles, concerns about pain during vaccination, lack of family support and concerns about side effects were identified as the reasons for vaccination hesitation [4]. A cross-sectional study in China found that a high perception of the benefits and low perceived barriers to vaccination were the two most important factors influencing a clear intention to vaccinate with COVID-19 [5].…”