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This cross-sectional research study in Vietnam examined the acceptability of the coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) vaccine among nursing students and factors that influenced their vaccination experience. Results showed that 86.2% of the study sample accepted COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine safety, unavailability of vaccines, and governmental information were major determinant factors in their acceptance. Confirmed safety, greater vaccine availability, and accurate public information through government and social media networks may increase the acceptance of the vaccine and contribute to future COVID19 vaccination programs in Vietnam.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of January 16, 2023, the global COVID-19 pandemic toll has resulted in 661,545,258 confirmed cases and over 6 million deaths (WHO, 2023). In addition to the presence of variants (e.g., Delta and Omicron), with large numbers of new cases and deaths every day, the pandemic is creating major consequences in work and family life (Lebow, 2020), social relationships (Long et al., 2022), education (Hoofman & Secord, 2021), business (Fairlie, 2020), psychology, and economics (Bostan et al., 2020).
To reduce the transmissibility and burden of COVID-19 variants, many countries around the world followed engineering and environmental controls, including partial or complete lockdown, social distancing, travel restrictions, closure of schools and businesses, enforcement of mask and face shield policies, and hand sanitization (Perra, 2021). During the height of the pandemic, bars, restaurants, gyms, museums, theaters, and nightclubs were mandated to close for unspecified time periods (Tran et al., 2020). However, the most promising strategy to confine the 19 and reduce morbidity and mortality rates was the development and dissemination of vaccines (WHO, 2021). COVID-19 vaccines approved by WHO were tested and proven for their safety and efficacy through randomized clinical trials, and were expected to provide strong protection by building full immunity (Who, 2021). As of January 21, 2022, WHO reported nine types of COVID-19 vaccines: AstraZeneca/Oxford, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm, Sinovac, COVAXIN, Covovax and Nuvaxovit (WHO, 2022a).
Although vaccine product achievement is varied, acceptance of and negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among the public population present significant challenges (Lin et al., 2020). Studies in the United States examining acceptance rates of COVID-19 vaccines among adult Americans found these rates ranged from 50% to 58% (Fisher et al., 2020). Another U.S. survey found over...