Multi-Perspective Views and Hesitancy toward COVID-19 Vaccines: A Mixed Method Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Health Communication

Background:

• Suboptimal COVID-19 vaccine uptake globally and in Armenia was linked to vaccine hesitancy.
• Understanding perceptions of healthcare providers and the public is crucial for improving vaccine acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare provider and public perceptions and experiences with COVID-19 vaccines in Armenia.
• To identify factors contributing to low COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Main Methods:

• Convergent parallel mixed-methods study (QUAL-quant).
• In-depth interviews (IDIs) with 34 physician and beneficiary groups.
• Telephone survey with 355 primary healthcare (PHC) providers.

Main Results:

• Physicians expressed variable views on COVID-19 vaccine necessity, contributing to public hesitancy.
• 54% of physicians believed vaccines were rushed; 42% worried about vaccine safety.
• Mixed media messaging exacerbated public vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions:

• Strategies to increase vaccination rates must address physician knowledge gaps and misconceptions.
• Targeted educational campaigns are needed to combat misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.
• Empowering public decision-making capacity regarding health is essential.