Short Communication
Decoding COVID-19 vaccine hesitation: a qualitative study
1College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
2Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Received: 05 November 2024
Revised: 20 December 2024
Accepted: 21 December 2024
*Correspondence:
Dr. Sasmita Panigrahi,
E-mail: nurs_sasmita@aiimsbhubaneswar.edu.in
Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new global reality, requiring societies to confront an unfamiliar disease and its effects. Countries faced two significant challenges: developing an effective vaccine and addressing vaccine hesitancy, a key barrier to achieving widespread inoculation. In 2019, the WHO identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health. The success of vaccination campaigns depends on public trust and willingness to accept the vaccine. India initiated its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive on 16 January 2021, prioritizing frontline workers. However, despite repeated efforts, vaccine hesitancy persisted among some healthcare personnel. So, to explore the underlying individualized reasons of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers a qualitative study was conducted, as their opinions significantly influence public attitudes toward vaccination. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers and students at a tertiary health center in Odisha, India. Twelve participants were purposively selected from various departments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore attitudes and beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Data from the interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the thematic framework method. Three primary themes were emerged from the analysis: mental dynamics, socio-economic discourse, and governance. The subthemes of mental dynamics include fear, personal support network, belief and perceptions and trust. In socioeconomic discourse personal support network & information distortion. Concerns about vaccine efficacy were prevalent. Vaccine hesitancy in India is driven by factors such as misinformation, mistrust, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences. Addressing these concerns through targeted, evidence-based communication is essential for successful vaccination campaigns.
Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccine hesitancy, Healthcare workers, Students
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn global attention due to its rapid geographic spread, high mortality and morbidity rates, and significant socioeconomic impact. COVID-19 has profoundly affected human lives, placed immense strain on healthcare systems, and disrupted the global economy.1 Both underdeveloped and developed countries have been impacted, but low and middle income countries, especially marginalized populations, have suffered the most.2 The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on 11 March 2020.3 It was very challenging for the countries to minimize the disastrous effects of the pandemic despite various comprehensive strategies like nationwide lockdowns, universal screening of international passengers, and mandatory quarantine.4
Various control measures, such as antiviral therapies and monoclonal antibodies against S protein, were ultimately ineffective in curtailing transmission.5 Consequently, vaccine development and administration emerged as one of the most critical strategies for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.6
Effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines are still desperately needed to stamp out the pandemic and restore social and economic activities by creating mass immunization. The urgency to mitigate the pandemic leads to unprecedented collaboration among scientists, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, and there is a race to develop safe and effective vaccines. The genetic information SARS COV-2 was made publicly available on 10th January 2020, then, many companies exploded in vaccine development, and clinical trials were conducted at an accelerated pace.7 Till 30 March 2023, nearly 183 vaccines are in clinical development, 199 are in pre-clinical development, and till now, nearly 50 vaccines have been approved for use against COVID-19.8
India has developed its own indigenous vaccine, namely Covaxin and Covishield and began a nationwide inoculation drive on 16 January 2021 to vaccinate vulnerable people, specifically frontline and health care workers, in the initial phase.2 Despite these efforts in India, by September 2021, only 13.73% of the country’s population has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas 28.34% has received only one dose of the vaccine.9
The success of this strategy completely relies on people's acceptability to vaccines. Hesitancy towards newly developed vaccine against COVID-19 was the universal problem which was evident from the previous studies: Bangladesh (46.2%), China (57.7%), Russia (45.1%), France (41.1%), Kuwait (76.4%) and Jordan (71.6%).10-12 The World Health Organization (WHO) defined vaccine hesitancy as a “delay in accepting or refusing vaccines despite availability of vaccination services."
It is evident from the literature that socioeconomic factors, Religion, education level, lack of trust on the vaccine, fear of the side effect, family and friend support, mass media, health service responses during pandemic, mistrust of government and pharmaceutical companies are substantially influenced by an individual’s decision for vaccine uptake.3,10,11,13-16 Despite the increasing need to understand vaccination behaviors and the factors influencing vaccine uptake, there is a notable scarcity of studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in India. Existing research on vaccine hesitancy within the country has been limited and insufficient to fully comprehend the underlying factors affecting vaccination decisions.
In response to this gap, the authors have undertaken a qualitative study aimed at exploring the barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among healthcare providers. This investigation seeks to uncover the key factors that hinder vaccination among this critical group. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. By addressing the identified barriers, they can formulate more effective strategies and policies to enhance vaccine uptake, particularly as vaccination drives expand to include all age groups in the future.
METHODS
Methodology
In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 healthcare providers, including doctors, nursing professionals, students, research scholars, and housekeeping staff, to explore their viewpoints regarding vaccine uptake and the reasons for hesitancy towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine provided by the Government of India. The interviews were conducted in three languages Odia, Hindi, and English depending on the respondents' comfort, given that the setting is a national institution serving a diverse population from different parts of the country.
The research team comprised experts in qualitative research methodology, ensuring rigorous and systematic data collection. A purposive and snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit participants who met the study criteria. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved, meaning no new information emerged from the interviews.
Participants included healthcare workers aged 18-55 years who had delayed intentionally taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Excluded from the study were individuals unwilling to participate, those who did not consent to the recording of the interviews, and those contraindicated from the COVID-19 vaccine. The study received approval from the institute's ethical committee prior to the commencement of data collection. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the research process.
Informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring that they were fully aware of the study's purpose and their role. Confidentiality of the data was strictly maintained, and participants had the right to withdraw from the study at any time without facing any consequences.
The health belief model (HBM) serves as a vital framework for understanding the attitudes of healthcare workers toward vaccination. It suggests that their personal beliefs about disease severity, susceptibility, and vaccine benefits greatly impact their health behaviors. Research highlights that effective public health initiatives should specifically address these beliefs to influence vaccination intentions among healthcare professionals. As policymakers develop future plans, it’s crucial to consider these factors to enhance vaccination program effectiveness. By aligning strategies with HBM constructs, healthcare organizations can improve outcomes, ensuring that workers are not only well-informed but also more likely to advocate for vaccinations within their communities. This targeted approach will ultimately strengthen public health efforts moving forward.17 HBM, this theory holds that health-related behavior depends on the combination of several factors, namely, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy.
Perceived susceptibility
Despite the expertise, healthcare professionals are not immune to the psychological phenomenon. Even with extensive knowledge and preventive strategies, healthcare workers can sometimes underestimate their risk of contracting diseases, potentially due to cognitive bias and underestimation. This can lead to lower adherence to protective measures and vaccine hesitancy.
Perceived severity
Health personnel often assess the physical, emotional, or financial impacts of a disease. If they believe the consequences are severe (e.g., disability, loss of quality of life), they are more likely to engage in hesitant behaviors.
Perceived benefits
It is the belief that taking a certain action will lead to a positive outcome, such as reducing the risk of illness or improving health.
Perceived barriers
These are the beliefs about the tangible and intangible factors that make it difficult to decide on health behavior, such as trial phase not completed, WHO not approved, trust issues and lack of support from employer.
Cues to action
This is an important component of the HBM that refers to triggers or reminders that prompt individuals to take health-related actions.
Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy reflects an individual's belief in their own capabilities to take action and achieve desired health outcomes.
Instrument and data collection
To gain a deeper understanding of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, a semi-structured interview guide with relevant probes was developed. The data collection tool was divided into two sections - section I: demographic data of the participant, and section II: semi-structured in-depth interview questions related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Face-to-face interviews were conducted in a relaxed and private setting, preferably at the participants' workplaces, in English, Odia, or Hindi, based on the participants' preferences. The timing and location of the interviews were arranged to accommodate the participants' convenience. Each interview was recorded using a mobile phone, with prior consent obtained from the participants. The average duration of the interviews ranged from 15 to 25 minutes. After conducting five interviews, the interview guide was reviewed and revised to enhance clarity and relevance. An additional investigator was present during the interviews to take field notes.
To ensure the validity of the data, a systematic procedure was followed, which included Verification with Respondents and confirming the accuracy of the data with participants at the end of each interview.
Debriefing
Discuss with the research team to review and refine the interview process.
Member checking
Validating findings with the participants to ensure accurate representation of their views. All interviews were transcribed and translated into English for analysis.
Plan for data analysis
The translated data were thoroughly reviewed to immerse in the content. An inductive approach was used to develop codes, subthemes, and themes. Themes were refined through multiple reviews and extensive discussions with co-investigators. MAXQDA software facilitated the management and analysis of the qualitative data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers.
Trustworthiness
To ensure rigor and trustworthiness in the study, several strategies were implemented. Credibility was achieved by using verbatim quotes, conducting regular debriefing sessions with data collectors, and employing triangulation of data sources and investigators. Maximum variation sampling was also used to capture diverse perspectives. Dependability was addressed by thoroughly documenting and recording the analysis process for audit trails, alongside peer-checking and member-checking to enhance reliability. For confirmability, conclusions were drawn inductively with the support of the analysis and codebook, and verified through peer and member checking. Transferability was facilitated by providing comprehensive details about the research setting, participant experiences, and data analysis, allowing readers to assess the applicability of the findings. Finally, authenticity was maintained by accurately representing the varied range of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers.
RESULTS
Participants information
Participants were chosen from a variety of groups, including tutors, nursing students, MBBS students, nursing officers, medical officers, research associates, and attendants. The average age of the participants was 29.3±5.39, years and the mean duration of the interviews was 19.8±2.76 minutes. Other demographic characteristics are depicted in Table 1.
Themes and subthemes
Three primary themes emerged from the analysis: mental dynamics, socio-economic discourse, and governance factors. These themes encapsulate the core thoughts and beliefs of vaccine-hesitant healthcare providers, highlighting how personal and social factors, along with trust in the vaccine, shaped their decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Table 2 provides a summary of the themes and subthemes.
Theme 1: Mental dynamics
This theme describes the complex interplay of individual thoughts, beliefs, emotions, cognitive processes, and external influences that affect decision-making and behavior. The decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 was often emotionally challenging. Subthemes under mental dynamics included fear, personal support network, beliefs and perceptions, and trust.
Fear
Deciding to take the COVID-19 vaccine brought forth emotions such as fear and anxiety. The novel nature of COVID-19 and the rapid development of its vaccine led to apprehension, especially due to reported side effects and unverified information in the media. The limited availability of reassuring scientific information left many feeling as though vaccination required a leap of faith.
Individual belief and perception
Personal beliefs and perceptions were key in deciding on the COVID-19 vaccine. These internal factors helped individuals assess risks and benefits, affecting their confidence. Some felt they could manage COVID-19 without the vaccine, relying instead on preventive measures and personal health.
Self-perception
Group identity also impacted self-perception. Individuals who identified with a community supportive of vaccination were more motivated to get vaccinated, while those aligned with vaccine-skeptical groups might avoid vaccination to maintain social identity.
Trust
Trust is essential in decision-making and greatly influenced people’s willingness to vaccinate. Confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine was reinforced when individuals believed it was safe, effective, and backed by transparent clinical data, adequate side-effect reporting, and consistent information from trusted sources.
Theme 2: Socio-economic factors
Personal support network
The decision to get vaccinated can be daunting due to the conflicting opinions presented in the media. Support from family and friends can help individuals maintain their choice and bolster their confidence in their decisions. However, without this encouragement or support during any vaccine-related side effects, individuals may feel unsure or unsupported, which can deter them from getting vaccinated. Additionally, socio-economic factors significantly impacted decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination, with important considerations including income, education, occupation, social support, effective communication, risk perceptions, and accessibility to vaccination.
Information distortion
Clear and empathetic communication from government and policymakers was critical in promoting vaccine uptake. When official messages were consistent and transparent, people were more likely to trust and accept the vaccine. Conversely, inconsistent or unclear messaging can exacerbate hesitancy, leading to confusion and skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Theme 3: Governance
The political and administrative systems played crucial roles by establishing policies, managing distribution, ensuring equitable access, and maintaining clear public communication. Transparent information about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and the importance of vaccination helped build trust and address concerns. Additionally, allowing employees recovery time post-vaccination contributed to a healthier work environment, especially in roles requiring in-person interactions. Lapses in any of these governance elements could lead to mistrust and increased vaccine hesitancy.
DISCUSSION
The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the profound stress experienced by healthcare workers as they navigate a novel and rapidly evolving crisis. During this period, countries have faced dual challenges: first, the development and distribution of an effective vaccine, and second, overcoming vaccine hesitancy to ensure widespread immunization. The success of vaccination campaigns hinges not only on the availability of vaccines but also on public trust and acceptance. For instance, acceptance rates have been reported to be over 90% in East and Southeast Asian countries, while Mediterranean countries have seen rates below 60%. Healthcare workers, as frontline personnel, play a crucial role in counseling and communicating the importance of vaccination, thereby facilitating the vaccine drive.18 This disparity of vaccine hesitancy is well recognized. So, this study delves into the individualized causes of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers during the early stages of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, aiming to identify the root causes that may impede the effectiveness of vaccination efforts. The findings were categorized into individual, administration, and vaccine-related issues.
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. The arrival of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was met with a complex mix of fear and hope, revealing the intricate relationship between psychological distress and vaccine acceptance. On one hand, widespread health-related anxieties and fears about COVID-19 spurred a higher willingness to get vaccinated as people sought to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus. Conversely, fears related to social and economic consequences, such as a recession, stock market crash, or conspiracy theories, often undermined.19 In the present study, we found out about the other face of fear. Many healthcare professionals experienced vaccine hesitancy due to a range of fears concerning adverse reactions, from mild symptoms to severe health issues, which are significant factors contributing to this hesitancy—the fear of death or long-term disability following vaccination. People with pre-existing health conditions are particularly apprehensive and concerned that the vaccine could worsen their comorbidities. Additionally, worries about drug interactions and anaphylactic reactions. Furthermore, concerns about the safety of vaccination sites.
Navigating vaccination's social and economic challenges can be tough for healthcare personnel without family or friends to lean on. For single earners or those who feel isolated, the prospect of managing health alone and the potential economic impact of vaccination can be daunting. However, the option to receive the vaccine in a group setting can provide crucial support and solidarity, making the process less daunting and more manageable. Addressing these social and economic concerns is essential for encouraging vaccine uptake and supporting overall well-being. Similar findings highlighted by Maria Nicola that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely strained global healthcare systems, placing healthcare workers at heightened risk due to their inability to work remotely. This situation underscores the need for early viral testing for asymptomatic and frontline staff. The crisis has exposed critical vulnerabilities, such as high healthcare costs, shortages of protective equipment like N95 masks, and inadequate ICU beds and ventilators. In developed countries like the US, uninsured individuals in high-risk jobs face additional challenges, as contracting the virus can lead to severe financial consequences and psychosocial distress, job dissatisfaction.20,21
Some participants have expressed critical concerns about vaccine administration. Ensuring proper consent and maintaining the voluntary nature of vaccination is vital for preserving trust among health personnel. Skepticism arises as they believe private companies produce vaccines, especially amid competition and disputes, which can erode confidence. Effective management of side effects requires a skilled team and clear strategies, including appropriate compensation for those affected. The lack of leave for workers adds another layer of complexity. Addressing these issues is essential for improving vaccine uptake and advancing public health. Supporting this issue, some studies highlighted that years of medical training, expertise, and extensive clinical experience do not shield healthcare workers from the same emotions and dilemmas experienced by the general public. Even with their professional expertise, their concerns about vaccination must be acknowledged and addressed while still upholding high standards of practice. Finding this balance is often challenging and may require a process of trial and error. Organizations and individuals promoting vaccine acceptance need to understand the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and carefully assess the effectiveness of various interventions.22
Vaccine hesitancy is deeply rooted in complex trust issues that can profoundly affect public health efforts. A significant concern is the trust individuals have in the vaccines themselves. With the introduction of new vaccines, like those developed for COVID-19, there often lacks a well-established benchmark or comparative standard to gauge their effectiveness and safety comprehensively. This absence of a reference point can generate uncertainty about which vaccine might be the most reliable choice and whether it adheres to the highest standards of efficacy.23 Moreover, the mode of vaccine administration—particularly invasive methods such as injections—can contribute to hesitancy. For those already anxious or skeptical about vaccines, the discomfort associated with injections can be a significant deterrent, complicating efforts to improve vaccine uptake.24 On a broader scale, pervasive distrust in health authorities and pharmaceutical companies further intensifies these issues. When individuals question the motives behind vaccine promotion and the transparency of the development process, it becomes increasingly difficult to build widespread acceptance and confidence in vaccination programs.25
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is deeply intertwined with public perceptions of governmental integrity and procedural adherence. When individuals perceive that the government is not faithfully adhering to established health policies, it erodes trust in the vaccination process, fueling skepticism about both the vaccine’s reliability and the overall integrity of the health system.26,27 Additionally, concerns about whether vaccine production norms and safety protocols are being properly followed can heighten fears about the quality and efficacy of the vaccines.28,29 Furthermore, if the vaccine rollout is perceived as a political maneuver aimed at gaining government credit rather than a genuine public health effort, it can significantly undermine trust and discourage public participation.30 Addressing these issues transparently is crucial for rebuilding confidence and ensuring the success of vaccination programs. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy often hinges on several intriguing issues that spark public skepticism. Many people question the reliability of phase 3 clinical trials, wondering if these results truly reflect real-world effectiveness. The sheer variety of vaccine brands, each with different efficacy rates and formulations, adds to the confusion, making it challenging for individuals to choose the most reliable option. Concerns about whether vaccines are stored and transported correctly preserving their efficacy through strict cold chain maintenance further complicate matters. The debate over the necessity and availability of booster doses also stirs doubt about long-term protection. Moreover, if vaccination does not unlock freedom from travel restrictions, some may question its true value. The lack of WHO endorsement for certain vaccines and the ongoing evolution of new virus strains amplify these uncertainties. Tackling these issues with transparent, engaging communication and robust research is key to restoring public confidence and boosting vaccine acceptance.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers is a complex and intriguing phenomenon that challenges our understanding of trust in science and authority. While these professionals are often seen as the frontline defenders of public health, many grapple with conflicting emotions and doubts about vaccines. Personal experiences, exposure to misinformation, and a general wariness about the speed of vaccine development fuel this hesitancy. Interestingly, some healthcare workers desire more transparency and dialogue, seeking to understand the data behind the vaccines rather than simply accepting them at face value. This internal conflict not only impacts their own health decisions but also influences the perceptions of the broader community, highlighting the need for targeted education and open conversations. As the pandemic evolves, addressing the concerns of these key influencers is vital to fostering a culture of trust and resilience in public health initiatives.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors would like to thank all study participants for their cooperation and involvement. They also sincerely thank the language experts and those who contributed to tool validation.
Funding: No funding sources
Conflict of interest: None declared
Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee
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