HESITANCY, ATTITUDE AND SIDE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER DOSE AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPISTS IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Many variants of COVID-19 virus demanded need for vaccines to promote and maintain immunity among healthy and immunocompromised people. Physiotherapists have close contact to the patients so they must be fully vaccinated. However, the acceptance towards vaccine and booster dose may vary among different regions.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in three months and data was collected from 511 physiotherapists through the online survey. A structured questionnaire was used to find out the hesitancy, attitude and the side effects of booster dose.

Results: Around 232 (45%) of the participants were of age 31-35 years, 264 (53%) were females, 323 (63%) were married, and 408 (80%) were having master degree. Majority were not hesitant towards vaccination with total 404 (79%) had been offered vaccination, and 383 (75%) had taken both first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, a total 341 (67%) showed willingness to take vaccine every year and 301 (59%) agreed for requirement of booster dose. While malaise and fatigue were most commonly reported side effects of booster dose.

Conclusion: Majority of the physical therapists in Pakistan are less hesitant, and are more agreeable on need of booster dose and experienced minimal side effects after booster dose administration.

Key words: Attitude, Booster Dose, Covid-19 vaccine, Hesitancy, Side Effects, Physical therapist