P-19 Vaccine hesitancy: the Grenada experience
Author(s):
C Noël ,T Khan , T Ollivere , K Rush , S Bogollagama , L Sutton , M Charles , A Lyons , C Telesford-Charles , N Noel , N Cudjoe , CNL Macpherson , N Steele , S Charles , T Noël,
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: Vaccine hesitancy became a global issue of public health importance following vaccine introduction for SARS-CoV-2 in early 2021. Here, we present the ever changing reasons for vaccine hesitancy in a Small Island Developing State which has an enviably high childhood vaccination rate for other vaccinatable infectious diseases.
Design and Methods: Longitudinal data on the stated objections to vaccination were recorded from individuals living in all 6 parishes of Grenada from the introductions of vaccines to the country in February 2021 until mid-February 2022.
Results: The expressed unwillingness to be vaccinated arose initially from a distrust of the speed of the production of vaccines, then the perceived blood clot risks from the AstraZeneca vaccine and numerous other factors including fear of needles, potential sterility, and a mistrust in the short and long term benefits of the vaccine. A second COVID-19 wave occurred in December which recorded approximately an equal number of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals becoming infected, which increased hesitancy. Increased vaccine uptake was observed when vaccines were expiring, with the introduction of vaccine choices, and vaccine mandates for entering restaurants, employment, and latterly, travel regulations.
Conclusion: Despite being one of the first countries to receive vaccines, Grenada has recorded one of the lowest vaccine uptake rates in the region. The complex issues and lessons learned from frontline workers have shown that vaccine hesitancy in Grenada is multifactorial and constantly evolving. The key findings in this study can inform and help develop targeted public health measures regarding vaccination.