The level and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ghana

OBJECTIVE: As part of the efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Ghana has received several shipments of approved vaccines, and administration has begun in the country. Studies examining the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ghana were mostly conducted before the vaccination exercise. Vaccine acceptance decisions however vary with time and hence, peoples’ decisions may have changed once vaccines became accessible. This study examines the level and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adult Ghanaians during the vaccination exercise. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional online survey involving Ghanaian adults (18 years and above) eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The study was conducted from 18(th) May 2021 to 14(th) July 2021 and the questionnaire was answered by 362 respondents. Snowball sampling technique was utilized to obtain the respondents. Probit regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. KEY FINDINGS: Only 62.7% of the respondents indicated that they will accept the COVID-19 vaccine if provided. The regression results revealed that the decision to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by occupation, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and attitudes towards the vaccines. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that government must implement strategies to enhance positive attitudes toward vaccines, increase the risk perception of contracting the virus and also educate the populace about the benefits of the vaccine.