COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors among Selected Security Personnel in Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Vaccination is a cost-effective public health intervention to prevent and or contain the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID-19. The level of uptake of vaccines across selected population such as security personnel is strategic towards attaining herd immunity. This study assessed the level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among security personnel in Edo State, Nigeria to aid planning for improved vaccine roll out among target population.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain quantitative data from 482 security personnel from selected Security Agencies in Benin City between 1st February 2021 and 31st May 2021. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 statistical software with statistical significance set at p ˂ 0.050 and 95% Confidence Interval.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 41.5 (± 7.2) years. Three hundred and forty-four (71.4%) had positive attitude towards COVID 19 preventive measures. Furthermore, 242 (50.2%) had been vaccinated against Covid-19 respectively. The category of security agency was a significant determinant of COVID-19 vaccination with the odds of being vaccinated being higher among police officers (OR: 4.724; CI= 2.674- 8.344; p <0.001), Immigration Officers (OR: 3.401; CI=1.960 - 5.902; p < 0.001), FRSC (OR: 3.096; CI=1.785 - 5.374; p < 0.001) compared to EDSTMA Officers. Finally, the odds of being vaccinated was significantly lower among respondents with negative attitude (OR: 0.412; CI=0.270 - 0.629; p < 0.001) compared to respondents with positive attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures.

Conclusion: A gap was identified between the attitude of security personnel towards COVID-19 preventive measures and their vaccination uptake. Strategic stakeholder engagement and continuous sensitization meetings are essential to help dispel myths and clarify misconceptions on COVID-19 vaccine for improved vaccination uptake among target population.