PRE-INTRODUCTION VACCINE ACCEPTANCE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG ADULTS IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed immunization as one of the most important health interventions to prevent and control the disease. There is a growing concern about vaccine acceptance due to differences in the perception of the vaccines’ benefit and risk. This study aimed to determine the acceptance prior to the introduction of COVID-19 vaccine among adults in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This online cross-sectional survey included adults aged 18 and above residing for six months at Petaling district, Selangor were recruited by convenience sampling. A descriptive analysis of the participant characteristics and responses of the survey questions were done. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of vaccination acceptance. Results: Of the 425 people surveyed, 309 (75%) would like to receive COVID-19 vaccine when made available. The decision-making included doctor’s recommendation (83%), and others such as vaccination method, frequency and distance to travel for vaccination (76%). Regression analysis showed a higher perceived risk of infection among participants. Conclusion: Our study found a high level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among adults in Selangor. The high perceived risk of infection among the population is associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.