Abstract

The novel beta-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) emerged in 2019 in Wuhan from bats and later caused inter-human transmission. India is one of the worsthit countries, where two million casualties have taken place during the second wave of the pandemic. The year 2021 witnessed the more deadly form of the virus. At the same time, there was remarkable progress in vaccine development resulting in the approval of a few vaccines by the governments. The process of COVID-19 vaccination has kickstarted in many countries. The general attitude towards acceptance of the vaccine has been reported in countries like the USA and Jordan. Very few studies have reported the understanding and hesitation regarding the vaccination among the Indian population, and the present study is an attempt to highlight the general mindset, acceptance, misconceptions and awareness regarding the COVID-19 vaccination from the Indian perspective. Being one of the worst-hit countries in terms of COVID-19, it is important to identify the barriers holding the Indian population back from getting vaccinated. This study was done as a questionnaire survey aimed at knowing the general apprehension, and thoughts of the public regarding the vaccination with 308 respondents, precisely of Indian origin. 58.8% (n=181) respondents were nonvaccinated. 45.2% (n=95) respondents reported that their respective employers made vaccination compulsory. 51.5% (n=120) felt that the vaccine is 60-80% safe. The results may be used by the public health authorities to identify the priority group and the barriers holding people back from vaccination.