Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adults in Mwala Sub-county, Machakos County, Kenya

Background: Despite the available evidence on benefits of COVID-19 vaccine, its low uptake and hesitancy remain a challenge. This study assessed individual, administrative, social, demographic factors associated with vaccine uptake. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional design was used. The data collected using structured questionnaires administered to 384 respondents key informant interview guides that engaged six informants. Results: Uptake first dose 46.60% while fully vaccinated were 11.70% total. There significant associations between predictors age (χ2=15.524, df=3, p=0.001), sex (χ2=5.250, df=1, p=0.022), education level (χ2=107.556, p<0.001), marital status (χ2=35.328, p<0.001). Some social such as dependence unreliable sources information (χ2=32.904, p<0.001) collective responsibility getting protect others (χ2=292.931, also exhibited associations. However, religious teachings did not influence (df=1, R2=0.099, p=0.997). Individual susceptibility perception (p<0.001, R2=0.525, df=1), severity (χ2=234.515, safety concerns (χ2=277.624, outdo side effects determined Administrative stock-outs (R2=0.091, p=0.997) long queues (R2=0.061, had no Conclusions: With findings indicating poor uptake, government should incorporate vaccination into existing routine schedule address conspiracy theories revolving around in various media sites during health awareness campaigns.