Perception and preferences regarding COVID-19 vaccines in residents of a northern Peruvian city, 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Given the high probability of serious illness and mortality from COVID-19 and a delay in the vaccination process in Peru, it is important to know the perception and preferences regarding the available vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the perception and preferences about vaccines for COVID-19 in residents of a city in northern Peru, 2021.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with a sample of (n = 741) inhabitants of the city of Piura Peru in the period May and June 2021, of which 474 (64.0%) were young and 267 (36.0%) were adults. the majority 452 (61.0%) were female, 578 (78.0%). Using an instrument created for this purpose, which was validated by judges and residents of Piura in focus groups.

RESULTS: The majority 717 (96.8%) prefer a specific vaccine, being the preferred vaccines from Pfizer (39.68%) and Sinopharm (23.35%). Also, 571 (77.1%) have the expectation that the vaccine will help prevent COVID-19 infection. On the other hand, 426 (89.9%) participants aged between 18 to 26 years (p = 0.005) and 239 (90.9%) dependent workers (p = 0.009) who claim to perceive that the side effects of vaccines are mild. Finally, due to the risk of death, 177 (37.3%) participants aged 18 to 26 years (p = 0.000), 164 (49.0%) participants who live in urbanizations (p = 0.002) and 132 (50.2%) dependent workers (p = 0.000) are looking to get vaccinated on their own.

CONCLUSIONS: Most prefer a specific vaccine according to its efficacy and side effects; For this reason, it is important to carry out efficient dissemination campaigns on vaccines that could be the support of public figures. On the other hand, citizens are waiting their turn to be vaccinated, but there is a significant percentage of the population that is seeking to be vaccinated by other means.