Explanation of the experiences of reluctance towards vaccination against COVID-19: A qualitative study

The COVID-19 disease has become a global problem and its prevention through vaccination has led to a reduction in the damage and human casualties at the time of its occurrence. Recognition of the factors that affect the acceptance of vaccination, identification of the barriers, and facilitation of decision-making in the field of vaccination are important aspects of designing effective strategies to improve the coverage of vaccination among the people of Zahedan province, Iran. This study aimed to explain the experiences of reluctance towards vaccination against COVID-19.

This applied conventional qualitative research was conducted in 2022. The study population included all individuals who refused to receive the vaccine after a public call for vaccination against COVID-19 in Zahedan. The data collection method was the semi-structured interview, based on an interview guide. The sampling method was goal-based till data saturation.

In this study, 40 people who did not want to be vaccinated were interviewed. In the sub-coding stage of the analysis of interviews with participants, 15 concepts and finally 5 main categories (stereotyped beliefs, reception of inhibiting information, physical and taste limitations, lack of facilities and services, and shortness of decision-making bodies) were derived.

According to the results, low health literacy and underestimation of vaccination were the main reasons for reluctance towards vaccination against COVID-19. In order to address this shortcoming, major policies should be developed in the field of education. Attention to religious beliefs and aspects of fatalism, older age, and higher economic and social status can be specifically considered in the future plans of health policymakers regarding vaccination against COVID-19.