Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Joe Varghese
Asim Mehmood
Wajiha Rehman
Fahad Khan Azeez
Mohammed J. Almalki
Abdulrahman M Jabour
Shahazad Niwazi Qurashi
Shiraz Ahmed Maniyar
Mass vaccination against COVID-19 infection is an essential strategy for countries to limit the spread of the virus and reduce pandemic-related morbidity and mortality. However, the success of vaccination programs is closely associated with vaccine acceptance among potential beneficiaries. The current study estimated the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate in Saudi Arabia using a systematic review of primary studies. Specific keyword searches were conducted in two databases (PubMed and Embase) from January 1, 2021, to October 23, 2022, to identify articles about vaccine acceptance or hesitancy. Twenty articles with a total sample size of 32,768 people were included in the study. The pooled acceptance rate in the 20 studies included in this systematic review is 57.7%. Eighteen of the included studies reported separate vaccine hesitancy rates, averaging 26.9%. This review, which showed a moderate level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, should help the authorities to take precautions while planning for special vaccination campaigns. Future research is needed to understand the hesitancy and acceptance of various vaccine initiatives and the effectiveness of vaccine promotion campaigns in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords:Covid-19, Vaccine hesitancy, Vaccine refusal, Immunization, Vaccination
