Nigerians’ attitudes and perceptions towards vaccine acceptance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Nigeria struggles with infectious diseases, and vaccination has become instrumental in curbing them. The landscape of vaccine perceptions in Nigeria underwent changes in the COVID-19 era. This study assesses the evolution of public perceptions and attitudes towards vaccination in post-COVID Nigeria, offering insights for policy and advocacy to improve vaccine uptake. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for keywords related to “vaccination,” “SARS-COV-2,” “COVID-19″, and “Nigeria.” Boolean operators and MeSH terms were also used to obtain relevant search results on PubMed. Executed in December 2023, the search yielded 145 articles, which were screened for eligibility. Observational studies in Nigeria published in English between 2020 and 2023 were included. 28 articles were eligible. Data extraction was then performed using a table, and a comprehensive narrative synthesis of findings was conducted. Pre-COVID vaccine coverage and acceptance trended positively but fell short of the UN’s SDG3 and WHO’s EPI targets. Cultural influences impacted pre-COVID vaccine uptake, while education, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic status influenced coverage. COVID-19, however, ushered in challenges such as misinformation on social media, doubts about vaccine safety and efficacy, and decreased trust in government. Post-COVID studies indicate positive trajectories for vaccine acceptance in Nigeria, signaling recovery from pandemic-induced levels. This study highlights the role of public perception in shaping vaccine acceptance in Nigeria. A multifaceted approach is imperative to enhance uptake, address hesitancy, and scale logistics. Strategic measures like public education, community engagement, and increased health sector investment emerge as viable pathways to fortify vaccination uptake in Nigeria.