COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Unmet Need and Reported Side Effect in Nigeria: An Online Cross-sectional Study

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in Nigeria, with more cases and deaths reported every day. However, vaccine development and uptake are believed to aid the fight against this outbreak. We investigated vaccine uptake, unmet need for vaccine, and reported side effects among the populace.

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 adults from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria using the online data collection tool, Kobo-toolbox. We obtained information on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccine uptake, unmet need, and related side effects of COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were done using Stata MP 16.

The mean age of the respondents was 32.1 ± 10.7 years. About half (49.9%) were below 30 years of age. Majority were females (63.1%), Christians (89.2%), and urban dwellers (74.6%). Majority (89.2%) of respondents know that vaccines are beneficial to health, and 41.2% have received the COVD-19 vaccine. Unmet need for COVID-19 vaccine was 74.3% and herd immunity was estimated as 93.1%. Respondents working in the private sector (AOR=0.32, 95% CI=0.11-0.90), and who said COVID-19 vaccine is not beneficial to health (AOR=0.04, 95% CI=0.01-0.29) were less likely to receive COVID-19 vaccine, while those who have tested for COVID-19 (AOR=3.93, 95%CI=1.98-7.84) have a higher likelihood of receiving COVID-19 vaccine.

Continuous awareness for COVID-19 vaccine is needed. The government needs to persistently assure citizens of the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Also, this study recommends that the administration of a highly effective vaccine would result in achievable herd immunity and curb the transmission of COVID-19 virus.