DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.15
Corresponding Author: Idongesit L. JACKSON1
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.
Email: ekpedemendem@uniuyo.edu.ng
Abstract
Background: The vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are expected to prevent infection and
transmission while protecting against severe disease and death. However, these benefits can only be seen if people
get vaccinated.
Objectives: To assess pharmacy students in Nigeria’s knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and their readiness
to receive and recommend them.
Methods: An online, 11-item self-administered questionnaire was used for this cross-sectional survey of
pharmacy students between July and August 2021. The questionnaires were made available online via Google
Forms. In addition, a link to the questionnaire was sent to individuals and pharmacy class groups in different
universities in Nigeria via WhatsApp. Data were analysed with SPSS (IBM version 20.0). Descriptive data were
used to present data. Chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine associations between variables. P <
0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Uyo
Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Results: A total of 448 participants completed the survey. About 30% and 43% of the participants were
undoubtedly and probably likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. One hundred and twenty-eight
(28.6%) indicated that they were not likely to recommend the vaccines to others. A majority (57.1%) of the
participants were most comfortable with the Pfizer vaccine; the most frequently reported reason for vaccine
preference was effectiveness (58.9%). Almost half (46.4%) of the respondents were more concerned about the
adverse effects following immunisations. The respondent's age (0.001), year of study (0.000), and geopolitical
zone of the respondent's institution (0.032) were significantly associated with their readiness to receive the
COVID-19 vaccines.
Conclusion: Most Nigeria pharmacy students were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccines and recommend
them to others. However, there is a need to allay the fears and concerns expressed about the COVID-19
vaccines/vaccination among pharmacy undergraduates in Nigeria, paying particular attention to their sociodemographic factors.
Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, Pharmacy students, Readiness, Vaccine hesitancy.
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