Willingness to Accept a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine in Nigeria

Amakiri Paschal Chiedozie^1, , Ogbodo Jude Chukwuebuka², Chude Florence Chidimma³, Offor Vivian Onyinyechi³, Anoka Kennedy Chijioke⁴, Olisakwe Sandra Chibuzor⁵, Obi Chidera Gabriel⁶ and Ukazu Bethel Chioma⁷

¹Chester Medical School University of Chester United Kingdom

²Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

³Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

⁴University of Koblenz Landau, Germany

⁵Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control Abuja, Nigeria

⁶Uwani Health Center, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

⁷Madras University Chennai, India

Cite this paper:
Amakiri Paschal Chiedozie, Ogbodo Jude Chukwuebuka, Chude Florence Chidimma, Offor Vivian Onyinyechi, Anoka Kennedy Chijioke, Olisakwe Sandra Chibuzor, Obi Chidera Gabriel and Ukazu Bethel Chioma. Willingness to Accept a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine in Nigeria. American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine. 2021; 9(1):1-5. doi: 10.12691/ajmsm-9-1-1

Abstract

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a potential threat to global public health including Nigeria. Since there is an unprecedented global effort to develop a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus, there are questions regarding the probability in acceptance of the vaccine in Nigeria. Understanding key determinants that influence the preferences and demands of a future vaccine in Nigeria may help to develop a vaccination program. The purpose of this survey study is to access the level of willingness of Nigerians to accept a potential COVID- 19 vaccine. Method: Using a multi-choice and open-ended questions with predefined answers, this survey was conducted among 499 respondents and analyzed to access their level of willingness to accept a potential COVID-19 vaccine when available and statistical differences in willingness to accept a potential COVID-19 vaccine based on age and gender were also determined. Result: And the result revealed that a very high percentage of respondents (98%) have prior knowledge of what a vaccine is. 51.1% were willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine, 30.5% were not willing as 18.4% were indecisive. Concerning the acceptance of vaccines for other vaccine-preventable illnesses in the country apart from COVID-19; 79.56% of respondents were willing, 7.82% were unwilling while 12.62% were indecisive. However, 52% of the respondents at different degrees rejected a mandatory vaccination of the population using a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Conclusion: This survey sheds light on the willingness to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Upon realizing the percentages of individuals willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine and individuals unwilling to accept the vaccine, the survey identified rumoured conspiracy theory, lack of confidence in a novel vaccine and safety doubts as the major underlying factors for unwillingness to accept a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria.

Keywords:

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