Published in PLOS One on 2026-03-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Abiodun Sogbesan, Ayobami Adebayo Bakare, Sibylle Herzig van Wees, Julius Salako, Damola Bakare, Omotayo E. Olojede, Kofoworola Akinsola, Oluwabunmi Roseline Bakare, Adegoke G. Falade, Carina King
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0310437
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global health, with diverse perceptions about the disease and its control measures, including vaccination. Understanding these perceptions can help inform public health and vaccination strategies in future outbreaks. This study examined community members and healthcare workers' (HCWs) perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines in Nigeria, exploring factors that influence vaccine acceptance and hesitancy.
We conducted a mixed-methods study, combining quantitative survey data from 2,602 respondents (2,206 community members and 396 HCWs) with qualitative interviews (14 HCWs and 16 community members). Quantitative data were analyzed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and pandemic perceptions, while qualitative insights provided a deeper understanding of cultural perceptions, experiences, and hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine.
Overall, 43.4% of community members and 96.7% of HCWs received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine uptake was positively associated with increasing age, previous COVID-19 testing, male sex, government employment, and knowing someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Christianity was associated with lower uptake among community members. Perceptions varied, with 34.2% of community members and 17.7% of HCWs considering COVID-19 a death sentence, while 27.8% and 22.0% believed in ‘African immunity,’ respectively. Hesitancy was driven by the fear of side effects (32.6%), pregnancy-related concerns (25.9%), and convenience-related issues (13.5%). Qualitative data revealed misinformation, mistrust, fear of adverse reactions, logistical challenges, and belief in the sufficiency of childhood vaccination fueled hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite this, general trust in vaccine safety and efficacy remained high, with most respondents willing to be vaccinated against other diseases and future outbreaks.
Our findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to address specific sociodemographic factors, individual perceptions, and logistical challenges to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Public health campaigns should focus on debunking myths, improving vaccine literacy, and leveraging the social influence of respected community leaders to build trust.
Introduction
Vaccines have contributed tremendously to improving global health, and their implementation is one of the most reliable and cost-effective interventions in public health that continues to save millions of lives every year [1–3]. However, vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 global health threats [4] and was prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the discovery of the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in early 2020, many COVID-19 vaccines were developed, with 50 of these vaccines receiving approval in 201 countries and 11 listed for emergency use by the WHO [5–9]. Subsequently, a global COVID-19 vaccination target was set for countries to vaccinate at least 70% of their populations by mid-2022 [9]. Vaccination of 100% of HCWs and 100% of the most vulnerable groups, with people aged over 60 years old and those who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions, is expected to be prioritized [9].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Abiodun Sogbesan, Ayobami Adebayo Bakare, Sibylle Herzig van Wees, Julius Salako, Damola Bakare, Omotayo E. Olojede, Kofoworola Akinsola, Oluwabunmi Roseline Bakare, Adegoke G. Falade, Carina King. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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