Perception and Attitude of Indian Population towards COVID-19 Vaccines

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 hit the world all of a sudden and leaving with no scope but to develop vaccine in the
shortest possible time. Scientist across the globe did an exceptional job and developed vaccines. Vaccination is
always considered as a precautionary measure against any disease. However, willingness to get vaccinated is
individual and voluntary in nature. Willingness is dependent on factors like vaccine safety and side effects, which is
a result of many yearsinvested in the process and testing of vaccine development.
Methodology: The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, awareness, perception and attitude of Indian
population in the age bracket 18-45 years towards Covid-19 vaccines. An online, self-administered, cross-sectional
survey was conductedusing a Google online survey platform and the responses obtained were analysed statistically.
Results:Out of 609 responses received, 87% were willing to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Gender, age, education
level, family size, having or not having children at home had no significant impact on the respondents‟ willingness
to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Though, urban population (83%) and respondents with annual household income >5
lacs (62%) were statistically more willing to take the vaccine Respondents with a medical history were statistically
less likely to take the vaccine (10%) However, previous infection with Covid-19 had no impact on their willingness
toward the vaccine. . Majority believed that vaccine is good for protection of self, family and the entire community
as it will help developing herd immunity to combat the spread of Covid-19, besides make them immune to the virus.
Among the hesitant group, the respondents‟ concern about the vaccine side was the most common reason for their
hesitancy to take the vaccine, followed by their belief that Covid-19 vaccines would be ineffective against the virus
and its mutants. The major source of knowledge regarding Covid-19 vaccines was mass media followed by internet
and then Newspaper or News apps.
Outcome/Conclusion: This study is, perhaps, the first-of-its-kind study, conducted among Indian population in the
18-45 age bracket. Results of the present study will help Indian government devise better vaccine-promoting
strategies among the hesitant populations of India, by addressing the key-barriers and influencers, utilizing the
sources of information prevalent among Indian population.