DR. KIRANDEEP KAUR

DR BHARAT GURNANI, Dr. ANNAMALAI O., DR. RENGARAJ VENKATESH

Abstract

Aim -To analyze the hesitancy and motivational factors related to COVID-19 vaccination among Ophthalmic patients. Methods- A telephonic survey was conducted using validated questionnaires consisting of 36 questions in 5 sections from Jul 1 to Jul 31, 2021. Results- 5033 patients were surveyed. Mean age was 49.0±14.2 years.563 (11.2%) patients gave a history or tested positive for COVID-19; 2225 (44.2%) patients were COVID-19 vaccinated. 2883 (56%) patients were aware of getting infection despite vaccination, and 4092 (81.3%) perceived vaccination should be compulsory. The reason for vaccination hesitancy was the fear of side effects (n=487, 17.3%). Fear of getting infected was the most common reason for vaccination (n=911, 40.9%). Factors associated with a lower vaccination rate were young age (p<0.001), female and lower education (p<0.001) Conclusion-Fear associated with the rapid spread of infection and associated mortality needs to be utilized to increase vaccination acceptance.

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