The VaxScenes Research Programme: Phase 3

Abstract

Over the past seven months, the VaxScenes Research Programme has implemented a mixed-methods, multiple case study project to explore South African???s perspectives (including acceptability and hesitancy) of COVID-19 vaccines (University of the Witwatersrand HREC non-medical Protocol Number H21/02/05). The study was situated within four communities in Gauteng (Alexandra Ward 75), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (Wentworth Ward 68 and Sweetwaters Ward 1) and Western Cape (Rylands Ward 48). The study focused on topics related to vaccine acceptability and a range of issues and experiences related to how the COVID-19 pandemic, and related lockdown regulations, have influenced daily lives. Preliminary results have been shared with the Ministerial Advisory Committees (Scientific and COVID-19 Vaccines) to inform national strategy to address vaccine hesitancy. Our results found that COVID-19 and related lockdown measures have had a profound impact on young people in the Wentworth, Alexandra and Sweetwaters sites especially. Young people described feeling hopeless as work and education opportunities fell away. Our survey also found higher levels of vaccine hesitancy among young people aged between 18-29. In order to support these communities in benefiting from the vaccine rollout it is proposed to expand Phase 3 research activities to include a short youth-based intervention to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake which applies the research findings