Intention of Covid-19 Vaccination Among Somali People

Abstract

In Somalia, the first local case of the Coronavirus was confirmed on 16th March 2020. Since then, many families have lost their beloved ones. As of 24th Jan. 2022, the MoH has recorded 25,388 positive cases with deaths at more than 1,335 cases including that of the former President and two former Prime Ministers of Somalia. With the support of the UN agencies, Somalia becomes among the first African countries to receive doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. However, vaccine hesitancy is higher among Somali people. The problem which the study investigates is that; although COVID-19 vaccine is available and it’s for free, the uptake is very low with higher hesitancy compared to other countries.
Objective: the study aims assess the intentions to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 and the reasons Somalia people hesitate to get the COVID-19 vaccine dosages.
Methodology: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) with community members suit to find out the perceptions, suggestions, and rumors within the community about vaccine hesitancy. A total of 150 respondents
participated in the FGD and the KII sessions. 100 of the respondents participated in the twelve FGDs while 50 participated in the KII sessions. Study participants were recruited across the country, including three major geographical areas (South Central, and East) in Somalia between Oct December 2021.
Conclusion
The study found that the main barriers to vaccine uptake include the perception of risks, lack of trust in the vaccination programs, subjective fears, negative religious beliefs, misinformation and rumors regarding COVID-19 vaccines have been rampant and repeatedly shared on social media platforms even before the release of the vaccines.