COVID-19 vaccination among primary school teachers. a case study of Arapai sub county, Soroti District

Abstract

The study was conducted in Arapai Sub County, Soroti district. The study examined the rates of uptake of covid-19 vaccines among primary schools teachers, their perceptions towards the vaccines and factors associated with uptake of the vaccines. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Primary data from the primary school teachers was gathered using self- administered questionnaires while data from the key informants was collected using key informant interviews. Data analysis was conducted using statistical techniques including, frequency and percentages and Pearson correlation analysis. The research participants had a generally high (80%) uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The main reason for the most (48.2%) respondents’ uptake was, protection of self and the significant from infection followed by, it was a job requirement (28.1%). Furthermore, respondent’s uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines was associated to attitudes towards the vaccines, concerns about the safety of the vaccines and influence of the source of information. The research findings showed that the most common concerns raised were safety concerns, fear of negative side effects of the vaccines including vaccines related deaths and unavailability of the vaccines. Radio was the most accessible, influential and trusted source of information. Social media platforms were reported as the major source of negative information prohibiting some teachers from receiving the vaccines. Therefore, the government should establish vaccine massaging campaigns through radios, televisions and newspapers to strengthen knowledge and mindset change to improve vaccination trust.