COVID-19 Vaccine uptake and associated factors among members of Makerere University School of Public Health Community.
Abstract
Introduction; Vaccines were among the biomedical interventions instituted globally for COVID-
19 management. We sought to establish the actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake (with at least one
dose) among the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) community and
understand their perceptions about the current COVID-19 vaccines.
Objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake at MakSPH.(2) to assess
the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among members of the MakSPH
Community.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey using mixed data collection approaches was conducted. We
interviewed 236 participants for the quantitative component and 13 key informants for qualitative
data at MakSPH between June to August 2022. Data was analyzed using STATA v.15 and ATLAS.
ti. version 22.1.3 software, respectively. Prevalence and socio-demographic factors were analyzed
using proportions and percentages while a binary logistic regression model was used to establish
the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine Uptake using a confidence interval of 95% and pvalue of less than 0.05.
Results: About 80.51% (190/236) of the students and staff at MakSPH were vaccinated for
COVID-19. Respondents who were Catholics COR=3.9 CI (1.24-12.26) P=0.020 had increased
odds of vaccine uptake. Further, lower education COR=0.46 CI (0.19-1.14) P= 0.092 and place
of residence of the respondents COR=0.30 CI (0.12-0.73) P=0.009 reduced their odds of vaccine
uptake. The study also noted that individual perceptions such as limited access to the desired
vaccine typesCOR= 0.59 CI (0.48-0.73) P= 0.000 or vaccination areas as the main reason to
lower vaccine uptake of second and booster doses. Relatedly, high perceived safetyCOR= 8.89
CI (4.24-18.53) P= 0.000, efficacy and side effects of the vaccineCOR= 47.6 CI (11.18-203.15)
P= 0.000 increased their odds of vaccine uptake.
Conclusion: The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine uptake is high among the MakSPH community
with varying proportions on the first, the second and, booster doses. This is driven by limited
access to preferred vaccine types limited awareness of the vaccination and perceived safety,
efficacy, and side effects of vaccines. The study recommends mass sensitization of the MakSPH
community on the benefits of completing the vaccine and taking up the booster dose.