Attitudes and beliefs of respiratory patients for avoiding Covid 19 vaccination: Experience at a tertiary care level in India

Introduction

Vaccination against Covid 19 pandemic started in February 2021 in India. Almost 11 months have passed after initiating this vaccination programme. On a priority basis healthcare workers, elderly people and other adult age groups were allowed to take vaccine in a phased manner. Even then we are coming across patients who have not received vaccine for various reasons. In order to understand issues preventing people from receiving covid 19 vaccine, a study was conducted.

Materials and methods

A cross sectional study was done at a tertiary care center using a questionnaire and individual interview after taking informed consent. All respiratory patients above 18 years of age who attended OPD during September 2021 to November 2021 were included. Patients were asked to either fill questionnaire on self or marked by a medical post graduate as per patient’s responses. Subjects who have received at least 1 dose of vaccine were excluded. The study was approved by institutional ethics committee. Data was analyzed using MS Excel 2013.

Results

597 subjects were enrolled in the study. 307 were males and 290 were females. Mean age of men 46.92±13.90 years and mean age of women 45.03±11.07years. 73% took a  native medicine (229 males and 209 females).7% were afraid of side effects (24 males and 20 females), 6% were taking long term medication for other diseases, 5% heard news of deaths following covid 19 vaccination, 3% were afraid of injection,3% were thinking vaccine of no use and 3% were having drug allergies.

Conclusion

Even though government of India have been trying to increase awareness about vaccine against Covid 19 and breaking myths of vaccination, still certain groups of people are not yet willing to take vaccine. Taking a native medicine, particularly in Nellore district, was the most common cause for avoiding Covid 19 vaccination. Unless these issues are addressed, the ultimate goal of this vaccination programme may not be met.

Author(s): Anil Kumar Kodavala

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