COVID-19 vaccination uptake remained low in the Democratic Republic of Congo despite a majority of unvaccinated adults saying they intended to receive the vaccine, according to a study published in Health Science Reports.
The cross-sectional study surveyed 1,075 adults between April and May 2022 to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake, intention to vaccinate, and factors associated with vaccination.
Only 8.3% of respondents reported receiving a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 3.4% had received an incomplete dose. Another 88.2% had not been vaccinated.
However, among unvaccinated respondents, 70.5% said they intended to be vaccinated. “COVID-19 vaccination uptake was low in DRC. Participants in this study generally showed their intention to receive the vaccines,” the researchers said.
The findings showed that vaccine availability and concerns about the vaccines were major barriers to vaccination. About 23.2% of unvaccinated respondents said vaccines were unavailable, while 22.3% questioned their effectiveness and 18.8% expressed concerns about their safety.
Among those who did not intend to be vaccinated, the main concerns were doubts about the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.
For those who had received the vaccine, the main motivation was protection against COVID-19.
The study also found that people aged 56 and older were almost twice as likely to be vaccinated as those aged 18 to 35. Respondents living outside Kinshasa were also almost twice as likely to have received the vaccine compared with those living in Kinshasa.
Trust in the Ministry of Health was also associated with vaccination. Respondents who perceived the Ministry as competent in its COVID-19 response were more likely to have been vaccinated. People who received information about COVID-19 from health workers were also more likely to have received the vaccine.
Communication channels also influenced vaccination intentions. Respondents who used radio as a source of information about COVID-19 were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine.
“Radio remains one of the most important sources of information in the DRC,” the researchers said.
The researchers said radio could be particularly important in rural areas, where community radio is an important means of reaching populations with health information.
Health workers were also identified as an important source of information associated with actual vaccination. The researchers emphasized the need to equip health workers with accurate information and effective communication tools.
“Studies have shown that health workers are the most trusted sources for vaccination acceptance,” the researchers said.
The study also highlighted the role of misinformation and rumours in vaccine hesitancy, particularly concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness. The researchers recommended using trusted health workers, scientists, community leaders and other credible voices to provide accurate information.
“Campaigns and risk communication are therefore important to show the benefits of vaccination,” the researchers said.
IMAGE CREDIT