By Mabinty M. Kamara
A Report by the Institute of Governance Reform, IGR on Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in Freetown has shown a huge gap between the number of people that have taken the jab and those that are yet to get the vaccine. The report titled “Sierrapoll” according to the researchers, is aimed at testing the Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in Freetown which happens to be the epicenter of the virus since it broke out in Sierra Leone in March 2020. This is also to get the necessary authorities informed on what the people think about the vaccines.
According to the report, only 12% of the 400 people interviewed across Freetown said they have taken at least one dose of the vaccine while the remaining 88% are yet to take the vaccine. 8.5% have taken the first dose and 3.5% have completed the doses.
However, it noted that the level of awareness about the vaccine is increasing from 54% in March 2021, according to another survey they conducted, to 86% in July 2021.
When asked why people take the vaccines in Freetown, the report noted that 46% said they were afraid of catching COVID, while 17% said because it was compulsory for them to take it, another 17% said they believe they have a duty to protect themselves and others and 8% said because their friends took it, 8% said because a friend/family member was sick/died of COVID and 4% took it because they were advise by their doctor or nurse
However, the report noted that most people are yet to take the vaccine because 33% of people said they had no time or don’t know where to get it.
According to the report, 23% say they are afraid of side effects or some people get sick and die after vaccination, 10% say they are below the stipulated age, 10% claim they have no point taking a vaccine and will just follow precautions. 9% think COVID is a hoax or not a serious threat, while 4% say their family is against the vaccine. 4% were pregnant or suckling mothers or respondents having other illnesses. 3% have No Confidence in the vaccine while 3% refused to answer.
While 38.3% said they are willing to take the vaccine, 38% said they will never take a vaccine, and 24% are yet to decide on what to do.
Speaking to Politico, the Executive Director of IGR Andrew Lavalie said they targeted Freetown not only because it has been the epicenter of the disease, but due to the limited budget they had. He noted that the research was self-funded.
“That report is not funded by any donor, it is self-funded and besides, Freetown is the epicenter. So if you have an effective vaccine circle around Freetown, there is the possibility for you to significantly tackle COVID in Sierra Leone,” he said.
He added: “If vaccine uptake is low, it’s good for the authorities to know why the hesitance. So it was meant to inform the response people about how people feel about the vaccine. This is the second survey that we have done.”
Depending on the available resources, Lavalie said they intend to extend the survey to other parts of the country.
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