Abstract:
Ever since the tremendous success of the rapid vaccine development against COVID-19,
its availability, distribution, and deployment have been a significant concern; however, evidence
suggests that vaccine hesitancy has become a greater problem. Therefore, trust in vaccines is crucial
and critically dependent on regimes' ability to communicate the benefits of immunization. This
study investigated ideas on ways to reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. It explores
methods to overcome COVID-19 vaccine barriers through qualitative research: interviews and
group discussions involving healthcare providers, administration personnel, teachers, and
individuals with chronic conditions across urban (Mombasa) and rural (Kilifi) Kenya. Audio-
recorded discussions were transcribed and thematically analyzed across locations. Five themes
emerged in our results regarding how to reduce barriers to the COVID vaccine in the context of
Kenya, including awareness campaigns, engaging diverse stakeholders, using various
communication techniques, capacity building to increase vaccination centers and trained staff, and
lastly, revising relevant government health policies and guidelines. These results indicate the
importance of adopting multiple approaches, as no single strategy could boost vaccine acceptance.
Moreover, this study provides recommendations for conceiving actionable interventions to
potentially boost vaccine demand and maintain routine immunization in Kenya
