O-45 An Investigative Study on the Perception and Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine of the Public in Trinidad and Tobago
Author(s):
A Ali , A Dosumu , A Governor , A Manduru , A Mohammed , A Nabbie , A Paul , K. Rocke , A Trim , J Mohan
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: To assess the perceptions and acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine and recommend measures to promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the adult population of Trinidad and Tobago.
Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey which was distributed via social media platforms between April-June 2021. A convenience sample of persons residing in Trinidad and Tobago, aged ≥ 18 years, completed the survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS v.27.
Results: Of 927 respondents, 78% believed that vaccines were effective against infectious diseases. Almost eightytwo percent (81.6%) agreed to accept the COVID-19 vaccine and those who believed that vaccines were effective were more likely to agree to accept this vaccine [OR: 7.34; (95% CI: 4.57, 11.80)]. The most common reasons for agreement to vaccine acceptance were protection of oneself (94%) and others (90%) while those who would not agree to vaccine acceptance expressed concerns about the pace of its development (84%), its side effects (81.7%) its safety (75.6%) and effectiveness (70.4%). The World Health Organization (WHO) was a trusted source of information on the vaccine in 86% of respondents and 69.5% preferred to receive information about their vaccine concerns from the Ministry of Health.
Conclusion: Agreement to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was high among adults in Trinidad and Tobago. Nevertheless, concerns remain about vaccine development, side effects, safety, and effectiveness. Communication with the public on these topics by the Ministry of Health would help to alleviate concerns and further promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake.