Perception and acceptance of Coronavirus Disease-2019 vaccines among doctors

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous vaccine candidates are in the race of successful clinical trials in response to the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study was conducted to assess the perception and hesitancy among the physicians of major cities of India toward the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 25, and December 25, 2020, among the frontline physicians, and they were asked if they would get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available in the market. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and acceptance and hesitancy of an upcoming COVID-19 vaccine were analyzed. Results: Among 139 respondents who gave consent, the majority was male (121, 83.4%). Seventy-six (54.7%) respondents would like to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Fifty-six (40.28%) participants had shown fear against the new vaccines, and self-perceived knowledge about the vaccine was found low (79, 56.83%). The majority of the physicians agreed to get vaccinated once reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction positive or recovered in the past. Self-perceived protection of the new COVID-19 vaccine was high (102, 73.4%), and most physicians thought it safe for humans (89, 64%). Conclusion: The acceptance among the physicians positively influences the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine in the general population. Failure to address physicians' hesitancy leaves immunization programs at significant risk of any country.