PERCEIVED FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO COVID-19 VACCINE APATHY AMONG RESIDENTS OF IGBO-EZE NORTH L.G.A OF ENUGU STATE

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the importance of vaccination as a crucial tool in controlling the spread of the virus. However, vaccine apathy, characterized by hesitancy or reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, has emerged as a concern. This study aimed to explore the perceived factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine apathy among residents of Igbo-Eze North L.G.A. The research employed in-depth interviews as the primary instrument for data collection. A total of 12 participants were interviewed, providing rich insights into their awareness of COVID-19 vaccines, the factors influencing their apathy towards vaccination, and the potential implications for social work practice. Through manual analysis of the gathered data, several key findings emerged. Participants displayed varying levels of awareness regarding COVID-19 vaccines, with factors such as misinformation, skepticism about vaccine safety, and lack of information affecting their perceptions. In conclusion, the study findings underscore the importance of incorporating vaccine education and addressing misinformation as part of social work interventions. Social workers can tailor their interventions to effectively engage individuals and communities in making informed decisions about vaccination. This study calls for collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and social workers to address vaccine apathy and contribute to the overall goal of public health and safety.