An Awareness and Acceptance of the COVID-19 Vaccine among Foreign Students in Higher Institutions in China

Abstract

The COVID-19 vaccination drive has made much buzz around the world. The vaccination is been discussed around the global for a long time and lot of rumors and fake information spreads all over the social media. The situation has created many fears and uncertainties among people which is affecting the vaccination drive in many countries. This study investigates the approach Chinese universities used in the vaccination drive for international students and how they respond to this vaccination drive. The study used a mixed-method approach to collect data from the respondents. Both their quantitative responses and their narratives were considered as the base for the analysis. The results of this study found that Chinese higher educational institutions approach for international students was very formal. On one end, the administration was able to carry out the vaccination drive successfully; the approach was failed to eliminate the fears and nervousness of the international students regarding vaccines. Furthermore, while fear and nervousness are found among the international students regarding the vaccination, most of the students did acknowledge the benefits of taking the vaccine for their health and as a gateway to move around or outside the country. The study highlights a crucial administrative approach from the Chinese higher educational institutions regarding an ongoing phenomenon. The results of this study can be used for administrative purposes so that the students' feedback should be considered while implanting some policy for their satisfaction and better results.