Why Young Africans Are Skeptical About Vaccines—and How to Shift Their Perspective [International Analysis]

Vaccines have demonstrated their effectiveness as powerful weapons against infectious diseases, yet persuading individuals to receive them remains challenging, particularly among younger populations.

Amidst the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which was announced by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, numerous nations observed significant vaccine reluctance particularly within their younger demographics. This hesitation has often stemmed from adverse medical encounters as well as an overall mistrust in governmental authorities. cultivated vaccine hesitancy throughout Africa. False data regarding vaccine adverse reactions circulating on social media adds to this challenge.

This reluctance persists even now. 2024 study A study focusing on adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 35 years in Sub-Saharan Africa reported a vaccination acceptance rate of only 38.7%.

These concerns were also reflected in a recent study We conducted a study involving 165 young adults from Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia to examine their attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. Our aim was to identify ways to enhance future vaccination uptake, guide campaign strategies, and ready ourselves for upcoming public health initiatives.

The participants showed reluctance towards getting vaccinated due to multiple factors and proposed actions that policymakers could take to enhance vaccination rates.

Gaining insight into young individuals' views regarding vaccine reluctance and determining actions to tackle this issue is essential for enhancing vaccination uptake in coming times.

What we learned from young adults

We collected our data via focus groups and interviews.

The attendees expressed concerns over needle phobias, doubts regarding potential side effects, skepticism towards medical establishments, and encounters with impolite medical personnel.

Several participants expressed concerns regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, specifically how it could impact individuals who have underlying health issues.

A lot of people thought that the vaccine had been rushed through before adequate testing could be completed, and they felt there wasn't enough readily available information.

Several people voiced significant needle anxiety. A 19-year-old woman from South Africa stated:

I have a fear of needles, so I'd prefer an option that can be taken orally, maybe like a beverage.

Getting over the hurdle

We discovered that younger individuals frequently felt excluded from discussions about vaccines. They aimed to contribute to solutions and make educated decisions but required appropriate resources and backing to achieve this.

The participants proposed useful concepts aimed at increasing vaccination uptake within their peer group.

Many emphasized the crucial step of evaluating each person’s health condition prior to vaccine administration, aiming to prevent negative reactions due to underlying medical issues or current therapies. This approach would help in stopping scenarios where vaccines might incorrectly receive blame for ailments or treatments already present.

Attendees proposed creative approaches to enhance vaccine accessibility. Ideas included establishing mobile vaccination units and implementing community-focused outreach programs.

They should implement mobile clinics to ensure people aren’t required to cover long distances for vaccination. - 18-year-old male, South Africa

Young individuals recommended making home visits for those who were unable to move due to their advanced age, health issues, or disabilities.

A number of people pushed for alternative vaccine forms like oral drugs or microneedle patches, aiming to enhance availability and lessen fear among needle-sensitive individuals.

The orally administered polio vaccine, extensively utilized in worldwide initiatives aimed at eradicating polio, is an example of a non-injectable vaccine.

COVID-19 microneedle patch prototypes are being explored for clinical testing.

Young people encouraged prominent individuals such as politicians, stars, and social media personalities to openly support vaccination.

It would be good if the president could appear on TV getting vaccinated, allowing us to witness firsthand that he is indeed receiving the same vaccination as every ordinary citizen. - 20-year-old male, South Africa

More captivating videos, dynamic interviews, and testimonials from people who have been vaccinated can be disseminated through various social media channels.

Young individuals stressed the significance of thorough training for healthcare workers. They pointed out that health practitioners should deliver considerate and compassionate care. They proposed that promoting respectful dialogue among caregivers would help establish a more inviting and supportive atmosphere for patients.

Moreover, offering vaccination education in schools might empower students with knowledge, enabling them to form independent judgments on such matters.

Way forward

Involving young individuals as key contributors in developing public health initiatives can boost vaccination rates and secure a better tomorrow for everyone.

We think our discoveries can be utilized in two distinct manners.

Initially, this aims to guide the creation of customized programs that align more closely with what young individuals want and require, thereby enhancing vaccination rates and acceptance.

Second, to highlight areas where young people may need further information and engagement, to better understand some of the broader issues and why some of their recommendations might not be feasible in the short or longer term.

Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun Research Associate at the University of the Western Cape

Marisa Casale , Distinguished Professor, University of the Western Cape

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).