Background: The world is facing a massive global crisis as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads around the globe, affecting all facets of life. Vaccine hesitancy is an obstacle to the effectiveness of immunization programs.
Objectives
This study was proposed aiming to assess opinion of the study participants toward the COVID-19 vaccine and risk factors associated with fear of COVID-19 vaccine
Methods
Cross sectional study carried out among 856 Egyptians participations during July 2021. The study was conducted online using a pre-tested, structured Google Form questionnaire. Convenience sample approach was adopted in this study.
Results
This study showed that 62.1% of the participants saw that the vaccinations are very important and should be given regularly, 81.4% were afraid of COVID-vaccine. The risk factors of fear of the vaccine were female sex and rural residence. There were 44.6% intended to take the vaccine. Factors increased the intention of taking the vaccine were male sex and being medical personnel. Among participants; 23.9 % were vaccinated and 69.7% of them reported vaccine side effects. The most common side effects were bony aches/fatigue (86.7%) and severe pain in the site of injection (64.3%).
Conclusion:
Participants' opinion revealed that COVID-19 vaccination should be directed towards all people followed by medical staff. Fear of COVID-19 vaccination were encountered more among females, rural residents and single marital status. While males, single marital status and medical personnel showed more intention of COVID-19 vaccination. To improve national vaccination coverage; health education workshops targeting various socio-demographic groups should be promoted.