Covid-19 vaccination – Malta’s attitude

Abstract

Abstract Background Covid-19 vaccines have been anticipated throughout the year 2020. These are envisaged by many as the way forward to beat the pandemic. However, vaccination hesitancy among the population is a public health concern. The aim was to explore the intend to take the Covid-19 vaccine among the adult residents of Malta. The vaccination roll-out in Malta started on 27th December 2020. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed through social media platforms during February 2021, targeting adults residing in Malta. Socio-economic data along with the intention to take the Covid-19 vaccine was gathered. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Results A total of 1,034 participants responded, with the majority showing intend to take the Covid-19 vaccine (75.44% CI95%:72.72-77.96). While 13.06% (CI95%:11.13-15.25) reported having already taken the vaccine. The majority of those not intending (n = 119) to take the vaccine were female (77.31% CI95%:68.95-83.96); between 30 to 39 years (42.02% CI95%:33.53-51.00), employed (76.47% CI95%:68.05-83.23) and with a post-graduate degree (36.97% CI95%:28.83-45.94). The commonest reasons for unintentional vaccine uptake were due to concern for its safety and long side effects as well as concerned if it is effective. Notably, 15.22% (CI95%:9.16-24.06) of the females reporting not intending to take the vaccine were concerned about the effect of the vaccine on their pregnancy or else were planning to become pregnant. Conclusions A high acceptance rate for the Covid-19 vaccine was observed among the Malta adults. However, an element of hesitancy was evident including among this study's high socioeconomic status group. The unknown future and long-term effects of the vaccine appear to be the main contributors to hesitancy. Key messages Covid-19 vaccine is well accepted in Malta, potentially reflecting the population’s desire to protect themselves and their families. Vaccine hesitancy is still evident even in the midst of the pandemic among high socio-economic group, reflecting the need for vaccine transparency.