Impact of barriers to SARS-Cov-2 vaccination uptake in HIV-infected patients

HIV-positive (PLWH) persons should take the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination first due to the increased risk of developing a deadly strain of COVID-19. That's why it's important to monitor population vaccination rates and identify PLWH who aren't immunized. PLWH were examined for SARS-CoV-2 immunization and non-vaccination. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sohawa from May-October 2021. Ninety five HIV-positive patients of both genders were presented. 14-60 years were the age of patients. HIV, demographics and vaccination status were collected after written informed consent. Clinically adverse outcomes were assessed among vaccinated and non-vaccinated HIV infected patients. There were 56 (58.9%) males and 39 (41.1%) females. Frequency of homosexual transmission group was higher among 48 (50.2%) cases, followed by heterosexual group 25 (26.3%), 15 (15.8%) patients with injected drugs and 7 (7.4%) patients were HIV-infected with other reason. We found that 54 (56.8%) patients were vaccinated and 41 (43.2%) patients were unvaccinated. Frequency of ICU stay and mortality was significantly higher among non-vaccinated patients with p value <0.005. Non-vaccinated patients cited no-safety, medical facility distrust and covid-19 as a transient illness. This study found HIV-unvaccinated people had increased odds of unfavorable outcomes.