JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The unprecedented emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the development and global distribution of vaccines, making the understanding of global vaccine acceptance and hesitancy crucial to overcoming barriers to vaccination and achieving widespread immunization.

Objective:

This umbrella review synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to provide insights into global perceptions on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy across diverse populations and regions.

Methods:

We conducted a literature search across major databases to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis which reported COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. AMSTAR-2 criteria was used to assess the methodological quality of included systematic reviews. Meta-analysis was performed by STATA 17 using a random effect model. The data synthesis was presented in tables format and narrative way.

Results:

Seventy-eight meta-analyses, published between 2021 and 2023, met our inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed a moderate vaccine acceptance rate of 63% (95% CI: 0.60-0.67) in the general population, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97.59%). Higher acceptance rates were observed among healthcare workers and chronic disease patients, at 64% (95% CI :0.57-0.71) and 69% (95% CI: 0.61-0.76), respectively. However, lower acceptance was noted among pregnant women at 48% (95% CI: 0.42-0.53) and parents consenting for their children at 61.29% (95%CI: 0.56-0.67). Pooled vaccine hesitancy rate was 32% (95% CI: 0.25-0.39) in the general population. The quality assessment revealed 19 high-quality, 38 moderate-quality, 15 low-quality, and 6 critically low-quality meta-analyses.

Conclusions:

The review reveals the presence of vaccine hesitancy globally, emphasizing the necessity for population-specific, culturally sensitive interventions, and clear, credible information dissemination to foster vaccine acceptance. The observed disparities accentuate the need for continuous research to understand evolving vaccine perceptions and to address the unique concerns and needs of diverse populations, thereby aiding in the formulation of effective and inclusive vaccination strategies.