Abstract:
Vaccine hesitancy is a global health challenge mostly associated with
newly introduced vaccines such as the RTS,S malaria vaccine. Vaccine
hesitancy negatively affects vaccination programmes. This results in low
vaccination coverage as seen with the RTS,S malaria vaccination in the Cape
Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. Given this, this study sought
to explore the reasons for RTS,S malaria vaccine hesitancy among
parents/caregivers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was theoretically
underpinned by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned
Behaviour. The study used a qualitative method of research and an in-depth
interview was used to collect data from 11 participants. Data were analysed
using a guide developed by Braun and Clarke. The study revealed that parents
hesitated to the RTS,S malaria vaccine because there was a low perceived risk
and severity of malaria, fear of adverse events following RTS,S immunisation,
perception of vaccine being ineffective, dissatisfaction over RTS,S being
piloted in some selected districts, unknown vaccine side effects and low
vaccine education from the healthcare professionals. It is recommended that
Cape Coast Health Directorate should use outreaches, door-to-door and social
media as means to educate parents on the RTS,S vaccine. Cape Coast Health
Directorate should encourage nurses to educate parents on the risks and
benefits of RTS,S malaria vaccination. Cape Coast Health Directorate should
use vaccine-accepting parents to educate vaccine-hesitant parents. Ghana
Health Service should administer the RTS,S malaria vaccination nationwide.
Ghana Health Service should add RTS,S vaccine to the list of vaccines in the
child health record book.
