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
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine.
2021,
Vol. 9 No. 1, 1-5
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-9-1-1
Copyright © 2021 Science and Education PublishingCite this paper: Amakiri Paschal Chiedozie, Ogbodo Jude Chukwuebuka, Chude Florence Chidimma, Offor Vivian Onyinyechi, Anoka Kennedy Chijioke, Olisakwe Sandra Chibuzor, Obi Chidera Gabriel, 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.
Correspondence to: Amakiri Paschal Chiedozie, Chester Medical School University of Chester United Kingdom. Email:
amakiripc@gmail.comAbstract
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.