Awareness, Views, and Expectations about COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Clinic Patients in India

INTRODUCTION: Several vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been licensed and are being administered worldwide in various countries. However, the awareness, behaviors, and expectations of COVID-19 vaccines among dental clinic patients are poorly understood. METHODS: An e-survey was carried out among 1800 patients who visited dental clinics in India. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire of four parts and informed consent (i.e. sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions). The investigators used Internet methods for data collection during the pandemic. RESULTS: The mean awareness score was significantly higher among participants who reported having a university/higher level of schooling, being in the upper socioeconomic status community, living in cities, and having previously received all required vaccines. The mean attitude score was slightly higher for participants who reported being female and had a history of getting all required vaccinations. Just over half (52%) of participants felt everyone should be vaccinated. This interpretation was slightly higher among females than males (56.9% vs. 47.9%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that patients attending dental clinics in India have insufficient awareness but more optimistic attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccine. Immediate health promotion campaigns must be implemented before vaccine schedules in order to increase awareness.