Abstract:
Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten threats to global health. In Kenya, recent data suggests high levels
of vaccine hesitancy. The study focused on assessing Covid-19 vaccination among individuals residing in Kericho
County, Kenya while considering the potential role of mass education in vaccine hesitancy.
Methods: The study adopted the psychological antecedents of vaccination model to carry out a descriptive cross
sectional survey of 1200 persons who attended outpatient services in sub-County hospitals. Simple random sampling was
adopted and probability proportionate to size was ensured during sampling. Data was analyzed using proportion and
chi-square tests.
Results: Participants who received health education had lower vaccine hesitancy. The study observed association
between health education and socio-demographic and economic factors (P = < 0.001). A positive correlation between
health education and confidence in vaccine safety, efficacy, trust in healthcare professionals, and trust in
religious/cultural beliefs regarding vaccines was observed. The study further observed association between health
education and reduced hesitancy across all complacency-related variables, convenience and constraint, collective
responsibility and risk calculations.
Conclusion: While health education likely played a role in promoting vaccine acceptance, its effectiveness may be
influenced by individual characteristics.
