Bioethical issues, knowledge and concerns about COVID-19 Vaccination; A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The mandating policy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has created a drift among policymakers and general public. A large number of people seems not to be sold with this policy while other voted in favor of it. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the population regarding COVID-19 vaccination in Karachi.

Methodology: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October, 2021 on a total of 200 subjects from general population. Data regarding demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination-related concerns, knowledge, attitudes, acceptance and ethical considerations were collected using a self-administered E-survey form. The outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.

Results: Results show that 56% of the participants did not consider this mandating policy ethically right. 49% were not willing to get vaccinated but still did that, and 53% said that they will not pay any money to vaccinate if it is not mandatory. 60% thought that the vaccine might be faulty still they had to take it and 58% got vaccinated only to get their salaries.

Conclusion: This study concludes that, the autonomy right of people is greatly violated by making this vaccination mandatory. Many people have scarce knowledge about the vaccine. However, drastic increase in vaccinated people ratio has been observed after this mandating policy, still the government should take steps to spread awareness about the vaccine.