A Cross Sectional Study on Assessment of Beliefs and Barriers Associated with Covid-19 Vaccination Among South Indian Population

Background: Developing a vaccine against COVID-19 is seen as a critical tactic for bringing the pandemic to an end. However, public acceptance is dependent on the vaccine's beliefs and perception. As a result, the study attempted to analyse views and hurdles to COVID19 immunisation among South Indian population. Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire addressed socio-demographic factors, beliefs about COVID-19 immunization, and potential barriers that could prevent people from getting vaccinated. Descriptive analysis was performed on the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination acceptability and sociodemographic factors. Results: In the comparison of demographic variables with beliefs and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination, 413 participants from South India were included. According to the findings of this study 86.3% received vaccination, despite a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines across all of South India's states. The data also demonstrated that the beliefs towards COVID-19 vaccination among South Indian population were higher than barriers for vaccination. Conclusion: As evidenced by this study, there has been a rise in beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccines, with an increasing number of people receiving the vaccination in South India. Furthermore, the study offered insight into potential reasons for vaccine delays and barriers. The findings may also help to reduce skepticism and promote acceptance. In conclusion, India is on the right trajectory in its fight against further spread COVID-19.