Exploring Rts,S Malaria Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents/Caregivers In The Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy is a global health challenge mostly associated with newly introduced vaccines such as the RTS,S malaria vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy negatively affects vaccination programmes. This results in low vaccination coverage as seen with the RTS,S malaria vaccination in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. Given this, this study sought to explore the reasons for RTS,S malaria vaccine hesitancy among parents/caregivers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was theoretically underpinned by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used a qualitative method of research and an in-depth interview was used to collect data from 11 participants. Data were analysed using a guide developed by Braun and Clarke. The study revealed that parents hesitated to the RTS,S malaria vaccine because there was a low perceived risk and severity of malaria, fear of adverse events following RTS,S immunisation, perception of vaccine being ineffective, dissatisfaction over RTS,S being piloted in some selected districts, unknown vaccine side effects and low vaccine education from the healthcare professionals. It is recommended that Cape Coast Health Directorate should use outreaches, door-to-door and social media as means to educate parents on the RTS,S vaccine. Cape Coast Health Directorate should encourage nurses to educate parents on the risks and benefits of RTS,S malaria vaccination. Cape Coast Health Directorate should use vaccine-accepting parents to educate vaccine-hesitant parents. Ghana Health Service should administer the RTS,S malaria vaccination nationwide. Ghana Health Service should add RTS,S vaccine to the list of vaccines in the child health record book.