Public Perception and Potential Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in India

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)virus, has led to a substantial loss of human life and the global economy, and presents anunprecedented collapse of the public health systems worldwide. The sped-up advancement of theCOVID-19 vaccine is an important development. Data from the early trials suggest that the vaccineis safe as well as effective. However, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the publicdepends on various socio-demographic factors. The primary aim of the study is to get a deeperunderstanding and analysis of the public's perception, information and sentiment towards theCOVID-19 vaccine in India.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Concerns of the General Population in Age Group 18-45 years towards COVID-19 Vaccination – A Community-Based Survey in Chandigarh, India

“…The success of the vaccination drive depends on the general population's attitude to getting them vaccinated. It's a major task, and experts find it crucial to determine vaccine acceptance among the general public [4,5]. Henceforth, we developed a validated questionnaire to interpret vaccine acceptance and hesitancy by investigating community knowledge, attitudes, practice, and concerns (KAPC) of adults (18-45 years) towards COVID-19 vaccination in Chandigarh, India.…”

“…To enhance the acceptability and reduce the public's hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccination, policymakers in health care sectors should address the public's concerns about the safety and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible. Also, policy makers should use social media to strengthen public education on COVID-19 and the benefits of injecting COVID-19 vaccines since they are the mediums through which misinformation on COVID-19 may spread, especially on social media [5,6].…”

“…Several vaccines have been approved against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and distributed globally in different regions. Most widely used are covaxin and covishield in India [5]. With the distribution of vaccines underway, it is imperative to examine community acceptance of COVID-19 vaccinations.…”

“…However, 18-45yrs of the adult population is educated and motivated but confused about the COVID-19 vaccinations and remained unsure whether they would have the vaccination. Henceforth, general community knowledge, attitudes, practice, and concerns (KAPC) towards COVID-19 vaccinations are poorly understood [4][5][6]. Thus, the study aimed to investigate community knowledge, attitudes, practice, and concerns of adults 18-45yrs towards COVID 19 vaccinations in Chandigarh, India.…”

Strengthening Behavioral Patterns Impacting COVID-19 Vaccination and Oral Health Amidst the Looming Third Wave Scenario—Need of the Hour!

“…This brunt cannot be faced by working individuals and thus can affect the vaccine acceptance behavior of individuals. 12,18 The vaccine behavior, though not limited to COVID vaccine alone can largely be attributed to the individual's phobia of needles and fear of adverse effects. Needle phobia/trypanophobia affects around 10 to 25% of individuals across all age groups.…”