Hesitation, Delays and Barriers towards COVID-19 Vaccination among Educated Class in Northern India

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy has emerged as one of the leading global health threats as identified by WHO, that may be detrimental to efforts to control the pandemic. Frequent interruptions in the vaccine supply clubbed with hesitancy can result in lower immunization coverage than expected. Assessing factors influencing the behavioural decision to accept, delay or reject is imperative in scaling-up the vaccine uptake. Objectives: To estimate the delay and its determinants towards COVID-19 vaccination among educated class in Northern India. Method: An online cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among teachers and their family members, close relatives and friends across India among 362 adults aged 18 years or more using structured questionnaire incorporated into kobo toolbox wherein information pertaining to vaccination hesitancy among study subjects was sought. Results: The present study revealed 43% of participants were totally unvaccinated. Most common barriers towards delayed or non-vaccination included apprehension about the side effects, doubts regarding vaccine effectiveness. Conclusion: Risk communication and vaccine advocacy should be tailor-made in a manner to dispel all doubts and concerns of the general public and counter the misinformation, which will help in addressing this huge vaccination gap.