Perceptions and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines amongst undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Lagos State

COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, causing deaths in different countries. Fortunately, production of its vaccine has brought some tranquillity, and Nigeria was not left behind. This study aimed to determine the role of knowledge and perception towards the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine amidst undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 170 students at the University of Lagos using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demography, knowledge, perception, acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analysed utilising SPSS Version 26. The level of significance was at P < 0.05.

Majority of respondents 125 (73.5%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine and 87 (51.2%) respondents attributed source of information to social media. Although many 99 (58.2%) respondents had positive perceptions of the vaccine, few 16 (9.4%) had taken the vaccine. Less than quarter 24 (22.1%) planned to receive COVID-19 vaccine while majority 120 (77.9%) had no plans to, cite safety concerns. There was a statistically significant association between age (P = 0.001), level of training (P = 0.034) and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine.

The level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was poor amongst undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Lagos. Age and level of training of respondents were factors associated with poor uptake. It is recommended that the section of university responsible for sharing of information amongst students organises risk communication activities targeted at specific areas about COVID-19 vaccine to improve vaccine uptake amongst students.