COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Older Adults in a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction Despite the proven efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, there is a significant level of hesitancy, particularly among the elderly population in Nigeria. The research investigates factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among older persons attending Geriatric Centers in southwestern Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 332 older adults (≥60 years). Sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, psychological antecedents, sources of information, and perceived sensitivity to the COVID-19 vaccine were explored. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 27.0, Armonk, NY) at a 0.05 significance level. Results The mean age of the respondents was 71.8±7.3 years. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 43.1%. Predictors of COVID-19 hesitancy were not knowing where to get vaccination OR=7.058 (1.745-28.542), did not think vaccines are safe OR=8.767 (2.250-34.159), worries about unforeseen future effects OR=1.111 (1.004-1.227), preference for natural immunity OR=1.170 (1.036-1.321). Discussion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high in our study. Our study underscores the importance of community engagement, education, and communication strategies tailored to the needs and perceptions of the older population in Nigeria.