Perceived COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Effect on Delivery of Health Services in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study of Community and Health Workers Community and Health Workers.

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious, the number of confirmed cases and death rates has increased dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world, as well as major social, educational and economic disruptions.  Studies conducted in other low- and middle-income countries showed that health workers perceived the vaccine as beneficial; the benefits include preventing infection and limiting the severity of the disease. Despite myths and misconceptions which are reported to contribute significantly towards vaccine hesitancy in several African countries, there is a scarcity of systematic documentation of health workers and community perceptions on how the COVID-19 vaccine impacted the delivery and uptake of other services in Tanzania.

Objective: This study assessed and documented health workers’ and community perceived uptake and impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the delivery of other services in Tanzania.

Methods: A phenomenological cross-sectional study among 632 healthcare workers at all levels and community leaders was conducted using interview guides for key informants, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results: In this study, six themes emerged, namely COVID-19 vaccine uptake, hesitation and awareness, COVID-19 transmission and prevention, and the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the delivery and uptake of other services. Most study participants indicated that they were aware of COVID-19 and could understand the mode of COVID-19 transmission. Participants identified several factors that contribute to vaccine hesitation in the country. Such factors included receiving mixed information on the COVID-19 vaccine, family influence and secretive manner of vaccine delivery. Participants indicated that a shortage of resources affected the delivery of other services. Nevertheless, other participants indicated that the COVID-19 vaccination program did not affect the delivery of other health services. Based on the participants’ views, the country was unprepared to respond effectively to the pandemic.

Conclusion: The Ministry of Health, under the communication section, should continue to reinforce the increasing awareness of COVID-19 and its means of transmission. The Ministry of Health should increase COVID-19 and the means of transmission to top leaders. Furthermore, using community leaders and champions to deliver appropriate information on COVID-19 vaccination may help increase the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and prevent misconceptions among community members. To avoid disruption of delivery of other services, there is a need to strengthen the country’s capacity for preparedness and response to emergencies and pandemics.