This study investigated government communication intervention for public trust and acceptance of the AstraZeneca vaccine for Covid-19 treatment in Ebonyi State. The study was anchored on Agenda setting theory and health belief model. Survey research method was adopted using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study adopted Online Australia calculator to select a sample size of 385 from the population of 1,348,027. Four research objectives were raised and four corresponding research questions were posed to guide the study. Data collected were analyzed using tables and simple percentage. Findings reveal high level of awareness of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the state, but only few people accept to be vaccinated, most people are not willing to take the vaccine due to misinformation surrounding the vaccine, also fear of safety of the vaccine and lack of trust on the government by the people because of previous disappointments as it concerns the general welfare of the citizens. The study recommends more sincerity on the part of the government so as to gain citizens trust; as well as more education through workshops, seminars, and/or symposia on the dangers of vaccine hesitancy.
Citation: Kenneth Adibe Nwafor,Nweze Samuel,Basil-Eze, Patience,Aneke Maurine Chika, Nwamba Jane Irene , Asogwa Joel , Oraeme, Stella (2020) Evaluation of GovernmentCommunication Interventions for Public Trust and Acceptance of the COVID-19 Astrazeneca Vaccine in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, International Journal of Public Health, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Vol. 5, No.2, pp.25-37
Keywords: AstraZeneca vaccine, COVID-19, communication intervention, public trust, vaccine hesitancy/acceptance
