COVID-19 Vaccination drive: Impact on the acceptance of vaccine among the general population of India

The acceptance of any vaccine relies on the belief and perception towards it. After a wait of almost 10 months, the COVID-19 vaccine is ready with the first phase in progress in India. The aim of this study is to assess the impact on the acceptance intentions of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of India after the vaccine is inoculated to health care workers in the first phase. An empirical study was conducted by analyzing the data collected by a self-administered questionnaire. The various variables that were addressed were the socio-demographic variables, past behavior of participants towards such seasonal influenza vaccine, awareness about the vaccine and adoption intention post vaccination drive. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between various variables and the predicting variables for the vaccine acceptance. Majority of them were ready for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there was a decline in the acceptance rate post vaccination drive. Age, Gender and Region were found as the major factors affecting this decision. Aims: To analyse, 1. The shift in confidence level in COVID-19 vaccine; 2. The role of Social Influence (SI) towards COVID-19 vaccine; 3. The role of past behavior towards seasonal influenza vaccines (Swine Flu, Ebola or similar) in acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine; 4. The association bet ween awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine and rate of adoption. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by analyzing the data collected by a self-administered questionnaire that was shared online across India in January 2021 – February 2021. The variables that were addressed through the questionnaire were the socio-demographic variables, past behavior of participants towards such seasonal influenza vaccine, awareness about the vaccine and adoption intention post vaccination drive. Associations between various variables were observed during analysis. Logistic regression was also used to identify the predicting