Acceptability, hesitancy and willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccine among Lagos residents

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has plagued the world beginning from 2019 when it was first discovered, laudable efforts have been made by science to produce vaccines to mitigate the effects of this disease. This study sought to assess the knowledge of COVID-19 and vaccine acceptability, hesitancy, willingness to pay and associated factors among Lagos residents.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive with a mixed methods approach. Respondents (2924) residing in Lagos were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was done using an intervieweradministeredquestionnaire for quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide for qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23, while qualitative data was analysed thematically.Results: The study revealed that most respondents (81%) were aware that COVID-19 vaccines are available in Nigeria. Two-thirds (67%) of the respondents were willing to receive the vaccine (acceptance) and 48.2% were vaccine hesitant. Willingness to pay for the vaccine was quite low (18%) and this was also reflected in the focus group discussions. Educational status, income, occupation and knowledge were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.Conclusion: The findings show higher than average rates of vaccine hesitancy although most respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19. Efforts by government agencies to improve community access to education, better occupations and incomes are recommended to improve vaccine acceptance.