COVID-19 vaccines, perceptions and trust amongst vaccine refusers: A qualitative thematic analysis study

Background

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in huge morbidity and mortality since its onset in 2019. By June 24, 2023, only 32.2% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose. This paper explores the perceptions and trust of vaccine refusers based on the thematic analysis.

Methods

In this study, we used a descriptive qualitative research design to explore the perceptions of the persons who did not believe in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Iraqi Kurdistan. This approach allowed us to explore the COVID-19 vaccine issue in-depth. Individual interviews were conducted with 14 participants in Kurdistan, Iraq.

Results

Results showed that the participants had a great fear of the serious side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Some believed that the virus was not natural and had been made by humans for different reasons including making profits from vaccines. Some believed that there was a silver material inside the vaccine that would force people to receive more doses in the future. Few believed that receiving COVID-19 vaccines was crossing the borders of God. Reinfection was a factor in selling more doses of vaccines. The participants were affected by the advice of the community and social media and not receiving the COVID-19 vaccines from healthcare workers, lack of responsibility from the government and companies, and not having trust in vaccines in this region.

Conclusions

Conspiracy thinking, perceived negative effects, fear, reinfection, side effects of COVID-19 vaccines could be related to perceived vulnerability and seriousness among vaccine refusers.