Relief After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Doubtful or Evident Outcome?

Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi,Noor Alshareef,Rehab H El-Sokkary

doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.800040

Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi, Noor Alshareef + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.800040

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Abstract

Background: Since development of the first COVID-19 vaccine, the landscape of public confidence in these vaccines is uncertain. Building confidence is crucial for better preparedness of future pandemics. Following the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in the country, the aim of this study was to examine whether the Saudi public feels relieved post-vaccination and to identify the factors predicting such relief.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2021 among COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Saudi Arabia. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine and identify the variables associated with feeling relieved post-vaccination.Results: Most of the respondents (66%) stated feeling more relieved post-vaccination. Male gender [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.380; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.981–1.943], being a student (AOR: 3.902; 95% CI: 1.674–9.096), and received two doses of the vaccine (AOR: 2.278; 95% CI: 1.630–3.182) were associated with feeling more relieved after getting vaccinated. Respondents who were anxious about the vaccine before receiving it (AOR: 0.220; 95% CI: 0.160–0.302), and experienced a severe reaction after vaccination (AOR: 0.288; 95% CI: 0.165–0.504) had lower odds of feeling relieved post-vaccination. Respondents who relied on social media as the main source of vaccine-related information and those having no information about the vaccine were also less likely to feel relieved post-vaccination.Conclusions: Individuals' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines may not necessarily alter post-vaccination. Although mandatory vaccination policies can significantly contribute to achieving herd immunity, public confidence toward vaccines might be eroded, which could in turn impose significant challenges in future pandemics efforts.

Highlights

It is well-recognized that mass immunization efforts represent a critical step toward combating the COVID-19 pandemic [1]
The challenge of a vaccine-based solution to the COVID-19 pandemic does not end with the development of an effective and safe vaccine, as achieving herd immunity will require the vaccination of a significant proportion of the population [1]
Three-quarters of the participants indicated that the official media and scientific or medical websites were their main sources of information about COVID19 vaccines

Summary

Introduction

It is well-recognized that mass immunization efforts represent a critical step toward combating the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has shown the world how substantial funding, research collaboration, and diligence can stimulate innovation to address public needs at a global level and in a short period of time [2]. The challenge of a vaccine-based solution to the COVID-19 pandemic does not end with the development of an effective and safe vaccine, as achieving herd immunity will require the vaccination of a significant proportion of the population [1]. Enhancing public trust in COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in general is as critical as developing effective vaccines [2]. Since development of the first COVID-19 vaccine, the landscape of public confidence in these vaccines is uncertain. Following the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in the country, the aim of this study was to examine whether the Saudi public feels relieved post-vaccination and to identify the factors predicting such relief

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Conclusion