Exploring SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance in Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe

Background & Aims. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused millions of deaths worldwide, making the uptake of effective vaccines critical to saving lives. In Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, two countries selected for focus in a privately funded project to boost COVID-19 vaccination coverage through interventions carried out by faith-based networks in Africa, both supply- and demand-side challenges have made high rates of vaccination difficult to achieve. The current study seeks to describe vaccination rates and reasons for vaccine hesitancy in both Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted face-to-face in Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. This study uses frequency statistics and multivariate regression analysis to identify key demographic predictors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and to examine perceived COVID-19 infection vulnerability in both countries. The Health Belief Model was used as a framework for sorting and understanding findings. Results and Conclusions. Individuals who were older, from Zimbabwe, and were healthcare workers or community leaders were more likely to be vaccinated. Those who were from Zimbabwe, had secondary or tertiary education, and were community leaders were more likely to be concerned about catching COVID-19 than community members. Faith leaders were less likely to be concerned about catching COVID-19 in public. These findings add to our understanding of attitudes that lead to vaccine hesitancy and uptake.