Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Acceptability in the Horn of Africa: Evidence from Somaliland

Various COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in an unprecedented time and were rolled out across the world to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet statistics show that COVID-19 uptake and acceptance in the Horn of Africa have been very low. To examine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance in Somaliland, we carried out a cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire both in offline and online modes. The study population was adults from the age of 18 years and above. Of the 704 respondents who participated in the survey, only 37% took the vaccine. Surprisingly, about 65% of those who have not taken the vaccine were unwilling to get vaccinated. Using a binomial logistic regression, we find that older people, the more educated and those who are employed are more likely to take the vaccine. Our results also show that the perceived threat of the virus and the perceived safety of the vaccine significantly increase vaccine uptake and acceptance. Results of this study will help the government and other concerned parties shape policies that can boost vaccine uptake and acceptance.