COVID-19 Vaccines and Restrictions: Concerns and Opinions among Individuals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

(1) Background: Recent studies in Saudi Arabia have indicated that a small proportion of the population is hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to uncertainty about their safety. The objective of this study was therefore to examine concerns about COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia; (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed Saudi residents aged 14 years and older. The online questionnaire consisted of the following sections: (1) demographics; (2) knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and sources of information; (3) COVID-19 vaccines worry scale; and (4) opinions about restrictions placed on unvaccinated individuals in Saudi Arabia. An adjusted regression model was computed to examine the relationships between demographic factors and worry about COVID-19 vaccines. All analyses were stratified by age, with those aged 19 years and above considered adults and those aged younger than 19 years considered as adolescents; (3) Results: A total of 1002 respondents completed the survey. Of the study sample, 870 were aged ≥19 years and 132 were aged <19 years. Of the adults in the study sample, 52% either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I am worried about the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations in children”. Among adults, females demonstrated higher levels of worry about COVID-19 vaccines than males (β = 1.142; p = 0.004) in the adjusted analyses. A high percentage of the participants either disagreed or strongly disagreed with allowing unvaccinated individuals to enter malls, schools, universities or to live freely without restrictions; (4) Conclusions: A high proportion of individuals in Saudi Arabia are concerned about possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, and many believe that unvaccinated individuals should not be restricted from participating in public life. It is therefore crucial to provide easily accessible information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in order to accelerate vaccination and minimize hesitancy regarding any future vaccinations that may be necessary.