Acceptability of immunization against COVID-19 by the populations of the district of Bamako

Abstract

Objective: Vaccination would be a safe means of prevention against COVID-19. The objective of the study was to assess the acceptability of populations in the Bamako district for vaccination against COVID-19.

Material and methods: This was a mixed quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 in the district of Bamako. The quantitative survey by cluster sampling involved 2759 people and the qualitative survey covered 108 individual interviews. The questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect the data analyzed with SPSS.21. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee.

Results: 17.4% had already been vaccinated against COVID-19. The acceptability of vaccination was average with 53.9% of respondents agreeing to be vaccinated. The main reason given was protection against the disease (95.61%). Respondents who were not in favour of vaccination put forward non-confidence in vaccines (61.8%) and fear of side effects (33%).

Conclusion: Improving the results of COVID-19 vaccination in Bamako will require increased awareness, mass and interpersonal communication through traditional media (radio and television) and social media.