Perception of the vaccine against COVID-19: A community study in Managua

Abstract

Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 is key to its prevention and control. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in residents treated at the Yolanda Mayorga health clinic, Managua, during April and May 2021, with the objective of evaluating the community perception of the vaccines against COVID-19 and the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, applying a semi-structured survey to 185 residents. Only 57,3% expressed an intention to be vaccinated; It was expressed by the individuals that fear, distrust and considering that the vaccine is not safe are the main causes of vaccine hesitancy. Digital platforms were the main source of information on vaccines. The lack of knowledge, misinformation, belief in myths and the lack of vaccination against influenza were factors associated with hesitancy. No statistical association was found between sociodemographic characteristics and the intention to be vaccinated.

Key words: COVID-19 vaccine, myths, perception, hesitancy, vaccination refusal.