COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among the Adult Population in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia continues even after reaching 17 million doses. This study was conducted to comprehensively assess coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy in adult people who ignore the COVID-19 vaccine in the Saudi Arabian population and explore community awareness of public health after 17 million doses of COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used in this study. The questionnaire included three domains: demographic information, vaccine hesitancy by the health belief model related to the COVID-19 vaccine, and hesitancy by attitude and conspiracy towards the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 401 adults participated in this study.

RESULTS: The respondents' perceptions of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity showed that the participants did not feel at risk nor believe that COVID-19 was serious. Connivance beliefs were found to be associated with reliance on social media as a major source of information about COVID-19 vaccines, and lack of trust in vaccine manufacturers (pharmaceutical companies). The majority of the respondents were concerned about the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, which can be reported as a major barrier to vaccination.

RECOMMENDATIONS: To increase vaccination rates, health authorities need to communicate both the benefits and risks of vaccination. In addition, we recommend using a qualitative study to understand and evaluate the participants' concepts in depth.