The Reasons of Avoiding Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Eligible Population of Fars Province, Iran

Aims: The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as a second epidemic of the 21st century, causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in patients. This study was designed to determine the causes of not vaccinating against COVID-19 in the eligible population of Fars province. Instrument Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in December 2021 to March 2022 on unvaccinated people of Fars province, Iran. The data of 12889 individuals were added to the study. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist with closed-ended questions that were completed through a telephone interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software through descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test. Findings: The largest age group was 25 to 35 years old (19.8%). The percentage of unvaccinated females was significantly higher than males (p 0.001). Homemakers and college and school students were the occupational groups with the highest frequency of not receiving the vaccine. The considerable reasons for not being vaccinated are the side effects anxiety, and lack of belief in the vaccine conspiracy. Conclusion: The women of reproductive age and college and school students are the most frequent unvaccinated groups. Having an underlying disease and the lack of follow-up by the healthcare staff are the most frequent reason for not being vaccinated.