Perception and Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccine among Health Workers in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been substantial, prompting the exploration of various strategies to mitigate its transmission. Among these strategies, vaccination has emerged as a highly efficacious approach to curbing the spread of the virus. Vaccine hesitancy remains a noteworthy concern, particularly within the healthcare workforce. This narrative review aims to evaluate the perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Method A comprehensive analysis was undertaken to investigate the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare professionals in Nigeria, encompassing a range of studies published between February, 2020, and March 2023. The search used Google Scholar, PubMed and EBSCO host databases. The studies encompassed in the review were subjected to analysis in order to ascertain the factors that exert influence on vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. Results The available research collectively suggests that the rates of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in Nigeria are generally high. However, there exist regional disparities in the acceptance rates of these vaccines. The review emphasises the significance of considering the specific circumstances of a given locality when formulating vaccination strategies, as well as comprehending healthcare professionals' perspectives regarding COVID- 19 vaccines. Several factors contribute to the acceptance of vaccines among healthcare workers, including their perception of the significance of vaccines in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19, their beliefs regarding vaccine safety, and their apprehensions regarding potential adverse effects. The acceptance of vaccines and healthcare providers is heavily influenced by the level of trust placed in them. Moreover, health workers' perceptions and acceptance of vaccines can be influenced by factors such as access to reliable information, the ability to address misinformation and misconceptions, and the influence of peers within the healthcare environment. Conclusion The narrative review emphasises the necessity of implementing focused interventions to mitigate vaccine hesitancy among Nigeria's healthcare professionals. When formulating vaccination strategies, policymakers and healthcare professionals must consider the regional disparities in vaccine acceptance rates. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance the acceptance of vaccines among healthcare workers in Nigeria. Policymakers and healthcare professionals can effectively contribute to successfully controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by implementing targeted interventions that address specific concerns and fostering trust and confidence in vaccines and healthcare providers. This approach aims to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake among the population.

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https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13954