COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination Skepticism

The purpose of this study is to examine some of the reasons why people are skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccination despite assurances from the authorities. In terms of methodological consideration, the study is situated within the qualitative research paradigm. The study adopted interviews and documentary analysis as the main source of data. The themes were generated from the data using the Voyant software, and the empirical discussion based on thematic analysis approach. The study reveals that trust in the COVID-19 vaccines, institutions, and cultural and religious beliefs determines people’s vaccination decisions in a significant manner. The study further highlighted that the quick production and administration of the various COVID-19 vaccines and history of previous epidemics/pandemic’s vaccination programs (such as the side effects of the vaccines) could have made people hesitant towards the COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, trust in governments, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare institutions informs people whether to participate in the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination project. Last but not the least, religious and cultural beliefs have sown seeds of skepticism in people and, ultimately, their COVID-19 vaccination decisions.