Grenada is included in a new study on vaccine hesitancy in six Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.
The study commissioned by the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) examines the extent of, and reasons for, vaccine hesitancy and whether the minds of vaccine-hesitant persons can be changed.
The study, conducted by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services Inc (CADRES), was also conducted in Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
More than 5,000 people were surveyed, and, according to the study, 24 percent of the unvaccinated respondents believe that the vaccines were developed too quickly and are uncertain about what is in them.
One in five said that taking the vaccine is a choice and they simply choose not to do so.
However, the study sees room for optimism, providing insight into what might change minds, saying that as high as 51 percent cite the need for more medical and scientific information.
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Over 40 percent want to know more about side effects and efficacy.
30 percent want information on the impact of the vaccine on sexual health and their ability to have children.
In addition, 39 percent said they might re-think their position, if they required the COVID-19 vaccination to travel overseas, while 34 percent may reconsider if it was necessary to get or to keep a job.
The study also highlighted respondents’ thoughts on vaccinating their children. Whereas 62 percent across the six countries said they were vaccinated themselves, most were against vaccinating their sons and daughters with only 24 percent at pre-school, 31 percent at primary level and 48 percent at the secondary level.
The need to tailor vaccine promotion interventions was highlighted.
The study found that what works with one country and with one person doesn’t necessarily work with another and that finding ways to reach the typical vaccine hesitant individual – young and not working in the formal sector – with targeted interventions is seen as vital.
