COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Selected Middle and Old-Aged - Individuals: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Hesitancy to COVID-19 Vaccine is a deterrent to Herds Immunity. There was a percentage of middle-aged and old-aged groups who were reluctant to submit for COVID-19 Vaccination in Talisay City, Cebu. The researchers wanted to investigate the perceptions of both the Middle-aged group (40 – 59 years old) and the old-aged group (60 years old and over) toward Covid 19 in terms of confidence, complacency and convenience utilizing a Comparative study. Objectives: The researchers sought to know the similarities and differences among middle-aged and old-aged residents in Talisay City, Cebu Philippines towards the COVID-19 vaccine. The paper also investigated the gap of the study such as knowing what the impact of the reluctance of the population against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine would be, as well as knowing the claims of the respondents of the study regarding the concepts that deter their motivation to submit to Covid 19 Vaccination. A simple random sampling technique was used in determining the ten (10) out of 22 barangays in Talisay where the sample came from. Whereas non-probability purposive sampling was utilized in choosing the specific sample of the population based on researchers’ judgment. The researchers based the number of populations in each barangay, the researchers utilized a quantitative comparative research design, using a survey questionnaire that includes knowing the demographic profile, level of understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine, and their culture that influences the respondents pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine. Two sample T-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, and Pearson r statistical treatments were used to compare the means of middle-aged and old-aged groups in terms of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Based on the result, the perception of middle and old-aged adults tells us no difference in terms of confidence, complacency, and convenience, and the old-age adults tend to be more hesitant to be vaccinated. Thus, it is recommended to use sources of vaccine information accessible in the community in order to increase awareness and vaccination among these age groups.