The article "Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Georgia" was published in the influential international journal "Journal of Health Science and Medical Research".

The authors of the article are Milord Shengelia (Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University) and Tengiz Verulava (Caucasus University). Article link.

Milord Shengelia, Tengiz Verulava. Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Georgia". Journal of Health Science and Medical Research. 2024. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.20231023

"Journal of Health Science and Medical Research" is indexed in SCOPUS international scientific database.

The work was carried out within the scientific research cooperation of Caucasus University and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

Annotation:

One of the most effective measures to prevent Covid-19 is vaccination. However, there is a global challenge of vaccine hesitancy and distrust. The study aimed to investigate the distrust of the Covid-19 vaccine and the barriers to making vaccination decisions. The research revealed that people's decision to get vaccinated is influenced by a lack of trust in the vaccine's effectiveness and safety, as well as a skeptical attitude towards the actual necessity of vaccination. While these individuals do not outright reject vaccination and even partially recognize its benefits, they harbor uncertainties about the outcomes of immunization and express doubts regarding the safety of a vaccine developed within a short timeframe. Concerns about potential side effects and adverse health impacts also play a significant role.