A survey on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and concern among Malaysians

Abstract Background Vaccination is an effective way to curtail the burden of COVID-19 in which success depends on a high acceptance vaccine. However, addressing concerns among vaccine-hesitant individuals essential avoid failure immunisation programme. This study sought assess and rates regarding vaccine Malaysians. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed 1411 respondents via snowball sampling method Malaysians aged 18 years above. Results The majority were young adults (40.7%), female (62.8%), Malay (63.8%), Muslim (72.3%), married (52.9%), with tertiary education (86.8%) without medical illness (85%). Social media (97.4%) primary source information COVID-19. overall rate (83.3%), lowest elderly 60 above (63.4%) pensioners (64.6%). Hesitance caused by side effects (95.8%), safety (84.7%), lack (80.9%), effectiveness (63.6%) religious (20.8%) cultural factors related (6.8%). Respondents diabetes mellitus (24.7%) hypercholesterolemia (23%) more hesitant accept vaccine, at 16.1 15.8%, respectively. Predictors hesitance age, religion, current residence. Conclusions results indicate Thus, Malaysian government other agencies should increase their campaign prepare implement mass programme despite rate, it remains important address building trust through adequate