Risk Perception and Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Vaccines are anticipated to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however their acceptance is critical for the desired benefit. This study assessed risk perceptions of COVID-19, acceptability of its vaccine and socio-demographic associations of its acceptability in Nigeria.
METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among 410 participants in Nigeria’s six geo-political regions, using a three-part questionnaire. The questionnaire link was distributed via snowball method to consenting participants through online platforms. Study outcome measures were acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine, and risk perception of COVID-19 by study participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 24. P-values≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 410 respondents participated in the study and high risk perception of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) was seen in 127(66.1%) of respondents. Vaccine acceptance was high in 233(56.8%) of respondents and was significantly associated with geo-political region (P=0.028). Moderate positive relationship (r = 0.3) was found between risk perception and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine, and the correlation was statically significant (P = 0.000).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: High risk perception of COVID-19 was found in over half of the respondents, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was a little over 50%. However, the study noted regional association with vaccine acceptance among study participants. Therefore, strategic and targeted messaging on vaccine acceptance should be prioritised by stakeholders, to ensure successful vaccine implementation.