Acceptance of COVID-19 Booster in the adult population of Pakistan: A cross sectional study 

Abstract Background: A year after the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination rollout, vaccine elicited immunity is waning and newer variants e.g. The Delta Variants and Omicron have necessitated the administration of booster doses because of the rise in breakthrough infection rate. The objectives of our study are to determine the prevalence of acceptance status of Covid-19 booster dose in the adult population of Pakistan and its association with knowledge and perceived benefits. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted by online self-administered questionnaire shared to the general population of Pakistan. The form was distributed to 100,000 people out of which 461 responded. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model. Frequencies and proportions for categorical variables, and the Chi-squared test was used to examine differences between COVID-19 booster acceptance and perceived barriers in getting a booster dose and between booster acceptance and knowledge on health benefits of a booster dose. Results: 89.4% reported acceptance of the COVID 19 booster dose . The youngest age group of 18-30 years had acceptance prevalence of this group was 85.4% . Participants with respiratory disease (2.6%) had an acceptance prevalence of 12%, along with participants who identified “other” comorbidities (2.4%) that had a 10% acceptance prevalence. Of all subjects who participated 97% (n=447) had been vaccinated and 32.1% (n=148) had received the booster dose. Knowledge was significant at a p-value <0.01 for acceptance of a booster dose. One of the significant perceived barriers and concerns regarding the Covid-19 booster dose according to chi square test results, was being too busy to get the booster dose. Conclusion: Our research has findings which indicate a relatively large percentage of respondents accepting COVID-19 booster vaccination. More efforts are needed to help people register and educate people about the long-term risks.