Abstract

Objectives: In the midst of current health crises due to COVID-19 pandemic faced by entire human race, vaccination drive against COVID-19 is initiated globally, including in India. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the greatest hurdles faced by the regulatory authorities of India. Current survey is an attempt to understand the mental thought process of general public from the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat state in India related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Study design: Narrative
Methods: Current survey was conducted on the residents of rural and urban localities of Ahmedabad district of Gujarat State in India. Questionnaire was prepared using Google forms and link was forwarded to over 500 people. Collected responses were calculated as percentages using Microsoft Excel and were correlated with demographic data. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using SPSS 21.0, p˂0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.
Results: Current survey findings revealed that majority of participants were either unaware, had very less information or believed in misleading facts regarding COVID-19 and vaccination against COVID-19. Main reasons for hesitancy towards vaccination were observed to be unfriendly registration process, non-availability of vaccine at door steps and unsurety of vaccine effectiveness.
Conclusion: On the basis of current survey findings, it was concluded and strongly recommend to train young individuals; locality wise (specifically in rural areas), who can disseminate reliable and correct information in their community/locality regarding COVID-19, its prevention, management and treatment; in addition to importance and benefits of vaccination against COVID-19

Keywords: COVID-19; Corona virus; Vaccines; Survey; Pandemic; India