Abstract:

This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices of COVID-19 vaccination and other factors about vaccine uptake among residents of Abakaliki metropolis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from four hundred (400) residents who formed the sample for the study. The majority of the respondents showed good knowledge of the non-legality of the COVID-19 vaccine. A few had adequate information and knowledge on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine. Also, knowledge gaps exist among the respondents on vaccine eligibility and when protective immunity against COVID-19 will be achieved. The findings showed that news from TV/Radio, Government agencies, social media and discussions amongst friends, family and healthcare providers play important roles in influencing the respondents’ opinions regarding vaccination. It revealed that the general public’s intention to accept the COVID-19 vaccine is influenced by availability, storage and quality issues as well as the capacity of healthcare workers. It further suggests that attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine has an important influence on the intention to take it. The findings showed that protection against COVID-19 infection; vaccines being available at no cost and eradicating COVID-19 infection were the main perceived benefits. Nigeria needs to employ different approaches to ensure that citizens exhibit positive attitudes towards the vaccine including using community meetings to pass information to the masses; training and using community members to increase access to correct information; conducting community engagement activities to improve acceptance; and using social media to provide correct information on personal risk and susceptibility to COVID-19 disease

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