What is it about?
This case study examines why people chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine or why they didn't. The study found that about half the people surveyed had received at least one vaccine dose. People who were older, worked in healthcare, or had more education were more likely to get vaccinated. Having a good opinion about the vaccine and understanding how it helps also encouraged people to get their shots. However, many things stopped people from getting vaccinated. Some worried about side effects like fever or muscle pain, and there were false ideas circulating, like believing the vaccine could make you sick or that you didn't need it if you'd already had COVID-19. Deep-seated religious and cultural beliefs also played a role in people's decisions. The study suggests that to get more people vaccinated, it's important to talk directly with communities, clear up misunderstandings, and build trust. This means using local leaders and trusted sources to share accurate information and address people's concerns about the vaccine.
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Why is it important?
This study is important because it provides a timely and localized understanding of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a specific region of Ghana. While there's a lot of global data on vaccine hesitancy, this research offers unique insights into the specific cultural, social, and informational factors at play in a West African community. What makes this work particularly timely and impactful is its mixed-methods approach, combining surveys with in-depth interviews. This allows for a deeper understanding of why people make their vaccination decisions, moving beyond simple statistics to uncover the underlying beliefs, fears, and influences. The findings can make a real difference by informing more effective public health campaigns, not just in Ghana but in similar contexts worldwide. By identifying specific misconceptions and trust issues, health authorities can design targeted communication strategies that resonate with local populations, address their concerns directly, and ultimately improve vaccination rates during future pandemics or health crises. This research offers a blueprint for how to build trust and promote health behaviors in diverse communities.
Perspectives
From a leadership and management perspective, this study underscores the critical role of effective communication and trust-building in public health initiatives. The findings highlight that top-down mandates are insufficient; instead, engaging community leaders and addressing deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs are paramount. Successful vaccine uptake hinges on understanding the human element, perceptions, motivations, and misinformation, and strategically managing these factors to foster collective action and behavioral change. This is a powerful lesson for leaders navigating complex societal challenges.
Prof. Robert M Yawson, PhD
Quinnipiac University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Correlates of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Ghana: A Case Study, Public Health in Practice, December 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100683.
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