CHARACTERIZATION AND MONITORING OF COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY IN FRENCH GUIANA

Abstract

Intro: Population acceptance of vaccination is a fundamental issue for health authorities, including in a department such as French Guiana, which is characterized by more precarious conditions and sometimes limited healthcare capacities. In order to study and monitor the extent of reluctance and to identify factors associated with vaccination intentions we set up a repeated online public survey. The purpose of the survey was to inform public decision-making, contribute to public debate, and provide useful data for research on the determinants associated with vaccine intentions Methods: Four two-week survey waves, including between 1000 and 1400 people, were conducted between March and November 2021. Multifactor analyses characterized populations in terms of perceptions, intentions, and opinions regarding the management of the epidemic in and vaccination. Findings: Vaccination intentions increased slightly from 45.5% in March 2021 to 55.2% of the population in October 2021. Significant geographic disparities were observed ranging from 29.6% to 78.8%. Vaccination intentions against COVID increased with age, socioeconomic level, and confidence in the government and local authorities. Uncertainty about the efficacý of the vaccine, fear of side effects, preference for using traditional remedies, and having been previously infected were among the most cited arguments by vaccine avoiders. Discussion: The study revealed a important reluctance to vaccinate, in a context of low perception of the risk associated with the infection, strong distrust of the health authorities and the government, and a lack of information on the side effects of the vaccine, which is perceived by the Guyanese population as an obstacle to vaccination. The study revealed significant difficulties in changing vaccination intentions over time in the most resistant population groups. Conclusion: The results of these surveys were used to develop a typology of the population and to provide health authorities with useful information in real time to optimize the vaccination campaign.