COVID-19 Vaccines: Community Myths Vs Facts

Abstract

Objective:To determinethereasons for hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study:Combined Military Hospital,Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Jun2021.Methodology:After Ethical Committee approval, 100 respondents were recruited, regardless of vaccination status, and requested to respond to 27 different myths and queries circulating about COVID-19 vaccines.Results:Mean age of participants was 36.25±5.77 years, ranging from 15-80 years. Fifty-three were males and 47 females. 41% of subjectstrusted the Sino-pharm vaccine, and 25% preferred Pfizer BioNTech, while 34%could not answer due tothe lack of knowledge. 55% subjects showed concern about catching the infection from Vaccination. 54% considered vaccines unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 29% believed it unsafe for the elderly and those with comorbidities. 14% believed it could cause autism in children and infertility in adults. 62%individuals acknowledged that vaccines have no nano chips to track patients. 46% opined that vaccines were rushed through trials and had doubtful efficacy. 11% individuals thought vaccines could alter DNA, while most were aware of this false concept. 28% considered that vaccines wereneedless because recovery from COVID-19 wasexcellent, while 63% emphasised the need for Vaccination. 23% deemed the side effects of vaccines more dangerous than the disease itself. 85% individuals favoured use of mask and social distancing after getting the vaccine.Conclusion:Strong efforts are needed to support the COVID-19 vaccine and to eliminate negative propaganda on media outlets.