Overview: The complex web of the perceptions surrounding COVID-19 vaccination has been implicating the populace differently. While some are encouraged, others are discouraged due to the side effects and flooded media reporting. An online survey is proposed to understand the perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination and the need for social work interventions.Proposal text: COVID 19 vaccination has given hope to humanity suffering from the outbreak of the virus since last year affecting every sphere of life. While the vaccination is a result of rigorous scrutiny, there have been reports of mild to severe side effects. With such varied turnout, the public perception about the vaccination is being shaped in a peculiar fashion. To add to the complexity, the social and economic status of the population has bearing on the perception of COVID 19 vaccination. Several poor citizens find it hard to access vaccinations available at far-off locations. Some are struggling to take a day off to get vaccinated due to livelihood imperatives. People coming from low economic groups have confusion and insecurities regarding the accessibility and availability of COVID 19 vaccination for them. The web of perceptions reflects fear, confusion, and lack of motivation among some citizenry. In such context, it is essential to improvise the outreach for public health education on COVID 19 vaccination alongside assisting the economically weaker sections to access the COVID 19 vaccination. Social work can play an important role in achieving a complete and safe COVID 19 vaccination drive by active participation in vaccination drives. Social workers function in a close alignment with society, social organizations and converge it with the mainstream health systems. To overcome the confusion, fear, and doubts about COVID 19 vaccination it is essential to explore, document the web of perceptions surrounding it and demystify the unscientific beliefs as well as concerns to ensure a smooth vaccination experience of the population.
To explore and document the complex web of perceptions surrounding COVID 19 vaccination, an online survey is proposed. The proposed survey will incorporate views of a diverse population from the state of Maharashtra in India. The survey will explore what people feel about the COVID 19 vaccination, what is their mental attitude towards the same, and how these perceptions are affecting their decisions about the possibilities of getting vaccinated safely. The survey will use PSPP software for data analysis and outline action points for multiple entities and institutions involved in the process.
The survey is expected to outline the health education needs of the population about COVID 19, vaccination, and its efficacy-accessibility-availability-affordability for them. Furthermore, the survey will inform social work practitioners, researchers, and help policymakers to devise an inclusive and equitable policy to ensure widespread COVID 19 vaccination.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand multiple perceptions of the diverse population about COVID 19 vaccinations in Maharashtra, India.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to comprehend the need for social work services in enhancing the health education about COVID 19 vaccinations in Maharashtra, India.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to explore and outline the role of social work services in dealing with the pandemic situation and enhance social work practice, research, education, and policy.
