Vaccination against COVID-19 and causes of rejection of the vaccine in Paraguay

Abstract

Rev. salud publica Parag. | Vol. 12 N° 1 | Enero-Junio 2022 Campuzano A. ¿Qué pasa con las coberturas de Vacunación? Rev. salud publica Parag. | Vol. 12 N° 1 | Enero-Junio 2022 ABSTRACT Introduction. Vaccines continue to be the best public health tools to protect people from COVID-19, delay transmission, and decrease the appearance of new variants. The lack of acceptance of the vaccine is related to doubts about its efficacy and safety. Objective. To evaluate the frequency and factors associated with vaccination against COVID-19 in adults surveyed in January 2022. Material and Method. Descriptive cross-sectional study of adults who underwent a survey on vaccination against COVID-19. It was used a questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, doses received, adverse effects and causes of rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine, history of COVID-19 infection, among others. Results A total of 549 people participated in the study, 73.8% female, 64.5% between 35 and 64 years old, 86.6% with university education, 52.1% from the central department, 40.4% were health personnel. A total of 93.1% of the participants reported having been vaccinated against COVID-19, the effect was very slight in 43.2% of the cases, 62.7% received all three doses. Almost all of the people who refused vaccination expressed the need for more evidence that the vaccine works and is safe. Of 50% of the participants who reported having acquired COVID-19, 10% required hospitalization. Conclusion: Although most of the respondents have received some dose of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, it is essential to consider the hesitancy about vaccines in the population and address it appropriately to promote strategies to improve adherence to vaccination programs.