Vaccine Hesitancy and Social Isolation: The Untold Stories

Abstract

We explored psychological factors relating to Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five participants, and through analysing online comments made on the research study social media posts advertising the study. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from the semi-structured interviews and online comments. Central to the findings was a strong sense of mistrust towards governments decision making during the pandemic, mainstream media’s coverage of Covid-19, conventional medicine, and a mistrust in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine. Consequently, participants reported engaging with alternate information sources believed to be more balanced and trustworthy. Due to their differing views on the Covid-19 vaccine, participants reported social and emotional consequences including a loss of personal agency and loss of social connections, an important finding highlighting the subjective experience of vaccine hesitant individuals. The results demonstrate the complexities pertaining to vaccine hesitancy and the importance of understanding the psychological factors present and how to appropriately engage with them. Lastly, this study provides a unique insight into the social and emotional experience of vaccine hesitant individuals.