The Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Sumatra

Abstract

In light of the current vaccination programs being implemented worldwide, this study aimed to evaluate the determinants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance in Sumatra, Indonesia. According to a COVID-19 vaccine acceptance survey conducted in Indonesia by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), published in November 2020, Sumatra is among the places having lower COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates, with Aceh Province displaying the lowest level of vaccine acceptance. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted, and a logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Out of 368 respondents who participated in the survey, 143 (38.9%) accepted the vaccine, and 225 (61.1%) refused it. Vaccine safety concerns constituted the most reported reason for refusal (43.6%). This study also found that province of residence and basic immunization status were determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Sumatra. Concerns regarding vaccine safety might be the reason for the low level of vaccination in Sumatra. Increased education and encouragement from healthcare professionals and regional authority figures can alleviate public concerns and improve vaccine acceptance.