COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy among University Students: Lessons for Future Preparedness in Implementing Vaccine-Related Pandemic Intervention Strategies
Allan Cheruiyot Korir, Allan Tulienge Wafula, Steward Mudenda, Ferdinand Ndubi, Martin Kampamba, Christabel Nang’andu Hikaambo, Godfrey Mayoka
Abstract
Vaccination emerged as the game-changer in mitigating the symptoms and consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, vaccine hesitancy has presented a significant barrier to reaching optimal vaccination rates. This study assessed vaccine acceptance and hesitancy and the contributing factors among university students in Kenya.
We employed a cross-sectional, population-based online survey among 476 undergraduate students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology from September 2022 to November 2022. Data gathered from the participants included sociodemographics, vaccination status and acceptance, and measures to improve vaccine uptake. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.
Of the 476 participants, only 53% were vaccinated at the time of the study and 16.2% of the unvaccinated students expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, thereby leading to an overall vaccine acceptance of 69.2% for this study. Fears about the vaccine’s side effects (54.1%) and efficacy (22.8%) emerged as the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Educative programs (53%) to combat misinformation against COVID-19 vaccines were highlighted as the main measure to enhance vaccine-uptake among the youth.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy among this subpopulation is critical for achieving herd immunity and reducing transmission risks not only within university surroundings but also in society at large.
Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v11n1a10
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