Acceptance and hesitancy towards Covid-19 vaccination in the local population of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, and Sonitpur, Assam

Background and aims: Hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines can be a barrier to the mass immunization policy of the government, even though the availability of vaccines is there. This research was done to assess acceptance and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination in the local population of one district in each of the two states of Northeast India. Materials and methods: 75 study participants were recruited over a period of six months, and their vaccination status was assessed along with their socio-demographic status. The reason for acceptancy was assessed in those fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated. In those not taking a single dose, the reason for hesitancy was assessed. Results: Socio-demographic variables were found to have no significant association with vaccination status. However significant association was found between education status and vaccination. Those who had accepted showed their trust in the government's propaganda and messaging for taking vaccination, as well as recommendations from friends and colleagues. Those who did not receive a single dose feared the vaccine's side effects. Conclusion: To target special groups like people with lesser education, tailor-made messages by policymakers, and recruitment of leaders of society like headmen, reputable colleagues, or pro-vaccinated friends can increase acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among the local population of Northeast India.

Keywords: COVID-19; northeast; vaccination; acceptancy; local; hesitancy.