Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid development of the Covid-19 vaccine candidates through new and improved technologies and the rapidity with which these vaccine candidates were trialed and approved for public administration was highly commendable. However, the rapid administration of the Covid-19 vaccines raises a lot of concern among various world populations. This concern, relating directly to the safety and intents of the big pharmaceutical companies and governments, has led to the greatest form of health promotion initiative resistance in recorded human history. The universal level of hesitancy against the Covid-19 vaccines is now a subject of major concern among public health experts. This study which seeks to identify factors fostering Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy was conducted among the COVID-19 vaccine hesitant populations in Northern Nigeria. Findings from this study indicate that 84% of the study population makes use of the internet and other social media platforms for their news information sources. 42% of the study population would follow the guidance of their healthcare workers on issues relating to the Covid-19 vaccines. Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in Northern Nigeria is largely fostered by a lack of appropriate information and a huge knowledge gap about the Covid-19 vaccines. It is, therefore, imperative that Government engages the young people of Northern Nigeria as critical stakeholders in the fight against Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy. Proper and tailored health educational programs, and meaningful engagements of religious leaders, parents, and healthcare workers in health promotion activities can help overcome the current challenge of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in Northern Nigeria. Keywords: Covid-19, Healthcare Workers, Immunization, Vaccine, Northern Nigeria, Vaccine Hesitancy.