Exploring COVID-19 vaccines hesitancy among the Muslim community of the East Coast region in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Mohamad Ismail, Mohamad Firdaus, Salim, Nurul Nabila Syuhada, Shahadan, Siti Zuhaidah, Abdul Hamid, Nur Mursyidah, Tuan Muda, Tuan Sidek, Yuniarti, Falasifah Ani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2023
• Subjects: RT85 Nursing Ethics; RT85.2 Religious aspects
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/108254/1/108254_Exploring%20COVID-19%20vaccines.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/108254/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/ijcs/index.php/ijcs/article/view/271
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: An important step in the fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic has been taken with the development of vaccines against SARS-COV-2 infections. It is possible that the COVID-19 vaccines will be used to stop the pandemic. Despite widespread support, vaccination rates remain lowest in Malaysia's easternmost states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. However, there has been no research into why Muslims make up such a disproportionate share of the low COVID-19 uptake population on Malaysia's eastern coast. Objective: The purpose of this research is to learn why Muslims in Malaysia's eastern coast region display hesitancy about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Methodology: This study used a qualitative research design. Thirteen participants from the east coast region of Malaysia were recruited between February and June 2022. The recruitment techniques used purposive sampling methods. In-depth interviews with participants were used via virtual platforms. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes were identified 1) rumours; they believe rumours spread by the anti-vaccine movement or their close family 2) safety issues concern; they fear potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, 3) self-belief; they believe self-isolation and proper diet better than vaccine intervention. Conclusion: Although 95.7% of the population has received all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, some people in Malaysia still refuse to be vaccinated. This research has the potential to yield useful information that can be used to overcome public opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine and increase vaccination uptake.