COVID-19 vaccine uptake among female students at Pwani University in Kilifi, Kenya

Abstract: Introduction: COVID-19 infection in pregnant women increases the risk for maternal complications and they are also more likely to suffer from more severe disease. Reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy are well-studied in the general population. However, few studies have studied the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among females of reproductive age. Aim: This study aimed to describe the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine and factors associated with vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among female students at Pwani University in Kilifi, Kenya. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and shared with all female students at Pwani University, with the aim of receiving 351 responses. After data cleaning, 243 responses remained. A bivariate analysis between vaccinated and unvaccinated students was performed. Results: 65% of the study participants had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Among the vaccinated students, it was more common to have lost someone due to COVID-19. Furthermore, the vaccinated students seemed to agree more that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective to prevent disease. They also have greater trust in recommendations and information about COVID-19 given by the healthcare sector.The most common reason for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was fear of potential side effects. More education and information about COVID-19 vaccines were suggestions for encouraging more people to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: This study indicates that COVID-19-vaccinated female students at Pwani University have more personal experiences of COVID-19. The vaccinated students also have greater trust in COVID-19 vaccines and in associated information and recommendations given by the healthcare sector.