Barriers Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake among the Public in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore barriers that influence COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the public in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study included an online questionnaire that was prepared using questionnaire of previous study. After that, it was converted using Google® forms to an online form and was disseminated by social media platforms to be completed by the public. Results: Only 13.37% of the respondents believe that COVID-19 is not serious enough to warrant vaccination, about 14.71% agreed that the vaccine does not provide benefit, about 17.64% agreed that the chance of getting COVID-19 disease is low. About 31.37% of them said that they don’t have the time to get vaccinated. About 60.78% of the respondents said that they concerned about the vaccine side effects. Conclusion: The main barrier of COVID-19 vaccination uptake was the vaccine side effects concerns. Health care provider should provide open and transparent information about vaccine safety and the potential vaccine side effects. Health education programs could change people’s thoughts and feelings towards vaccination.