Reasons for Rejection of COVID-19 Vaccine: A Qualitative Study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for refusal of those who refused to be vaccinated with any of the vaccines developed against COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) and to offer solutions. Materials and Methods In this descriptive and cross-sectional qualitative study, a semi-structured interview method was used as the data collection tool. Also, thematic analysis was chosen as the analysis method. The population of the study consisted of people who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. The purposive sampling method was used as the sampling method. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. This study was continued until data saturation was achieved and the interviews were completed with 12 people. Results As a result of the study, six main themes and sub-themes related to the reasons for these refusals against vaccination were reached. These themes are Individual Effects of COVID- 19, Information, Confusion about Vaccination, Personal Fears of Vaccination, Belief in the Protectiveness and Reliability of the COVID-19 Vaccine, Pressure on Vaccination and Mask Use, and Preference for Vaccination Alternatives. Conclusion During pandemics, distrust and uncertainty are often among the reasons why people do not get vaccinated. Lessons need to be learned from the process carried out, as one of the most important reasons underlying vaccine refusal is that participants did not believe in either the COVID-19 disease or the vaccine. Because this situation increased uncertainty and triggered non-vaccination. Accordingly, it is necessary to carry out health services for vaccination and increasing social immunity more transparently, to ensure that the society has access to sufficient information about the vaccine, and to determine and implement appropriate policies to eliminate mistrust about the vaccine and the pandemic period.