COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: Awareness Perception and Determinants of its Choice in a Semi-Urban Community in South-South Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the awareness, perception and determinants of choice of Covid-19 vaccine in a semi-urban community. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 323 residents of Okada Community, Edo state. Respondents were selected by cluster sampling technique. Okada has two wards (West and East) and Okada West was selected by simple random technique using computer generated random numbers. Enumeration area map of the selected ward was obtained and two of the three enumeration areas were selected using simple random sampling. Each of the two enumeration area formed a cluster and all the households in each of the selected clusters were listed. Structured, Pre tested, interviewed administered questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 and level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 323 respondents participated in the study. Majority, 218(67.5%) of respondents believed in COVID-19 existence, 291(90.1%) were aware of the COVID-19 vaccine availability, 97(30.0%) believed COVID-19 vaccine was a biological weapon and 173(53.2%) were unwilling to take the vaccine however, 221(68.4%) of respondents were willing to take the vaccine if proven safe and effective. Conclusion: This study revealed the unwillingness of respondents to receive COVID-19 vaccine due to fear of death despite having good knowledge and perception on the COVID-19 vaccine. Government should increase awareness and health educates the people about the safety of covid-19 vaccine if COVID-19 is to be eradicated through vaccination.