Acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination and its predictors in Egypt: An online survey

Introduction: Public acceptance, understanding, and trust are some significant challenges facing COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Our study objective was to assess the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination and its predictors among the Egyptian adult population. Methods: An online survey was conducted on 1,053 participants from six randomly selected governorates in Egypt between March and April 2021 using an Arabic self-administrated questionnaire, developed using the Google Form App. Results: Out of the 1,053 participants surveyed, 321 (31.5%) reported that they would accept taking the vaccine when it is available. The main reasons for refusing COVID-19 vaccination were doubt in vaccine effectiveness (80%), lack of trust due to rapid vaccine production (70%), deficiency of information about the vaccine (66%), and fear of vaccine side effects (55%). Regression analysis concluded that previous history of influenza vaccination (p = 0.01), perceived vaccine effectiveness (0.00), vaccine price (p = 0.02), and doctors??? recommendation to take the vaccine (p = 0.03) were the only significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Low level of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance has been shown among the Egyptian population. To expand vaccination acceptance and coverage, the government should promote vaccine confidence by increasing the availability of clear, precise, and up-to-date information addressing public concerns. It should also provide free vaccinations and should reach out to doctors for promoting the vaccine.

Automated summary

The study found a low level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the Egyptian population. The main reasons for refusal were doubts about vaccine effectiveness, lack of trust due to rapid production, insufficient information, and fear of side effects. Previous influenza vaccination, perceived vaccine effectiveness, vaccine price, and doctors' recommendation were the only significant predictors of acceptance.