ACCEPTANCE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of the coronavirus vaccine and the attitude of people residing in the southern part of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional research was conducted among the citizens of the southern part of Karachi from Oct to Dec 2021. The survey for the study was adopted and modified from the formerly conducted study by El-Elimat et al, comprising individuals aged more than 18 years of age. Acceptance and predictors of vaccine acceptance were assessed using the Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression. Results: The acceptance rate for the coronavirus vaccine was quite high (87%). Males demonstrated a higher acceptance rate. The older aged individuals (>35 years old) also showed higher acceptance when likened to younger participants (OR = 1.84, 95 CI% = 2.893–1.171, p < .008). Individuals not infected with COVID-19 showed less acceptance towards vaccinations (OR = 0.431, 95CI% = 0.233– 0.799, p < .008). Similarly, respondents believing the COVID-19 vaccine to be a conspiracy were less likely to show acceptance towards the vaccination process (OR= 0.893, 95 CI% = 0.575- 1.387, p= 0. 614). Conclusion: Differences in the acceptance rate between males of older age as compared to younger population and females have demonstrated higher acceptance towards vaccination. Sinopharm followed by Sinovac was the most frequently used to provide immunization to the Pakistani population. Keywords: adverse effects, immunology, Coronavirus, Vaccine