Myths and Perception of Management Students and Faculty towards Covaxin and Covishield Vaccines, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: With the vaccination drive underway, it is important to dispel any myths about vaccines circulating in India. Lack of proper understanding and lack of exposure to the science behind the functioning of a vaccine people have different perceptions towards two vaccines i.e., Covishield and Covaxin, which are available in India. It is the need of the hour to dispel the myths and misconceptions around both vaccines. Materials and Methods:  A study has been undertaken to know the perceptions of management students and faculty towards Covaxin and Covishield vaccines, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. A structured questionnaire is prepared and forwarded to around 2000 respondents of different Management colleges located in Vijayawada. A convenient sampling technique was adopted and got 412 responses and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Out of 412 respondents, majority 55.3%(228) respondents are believing that side effects are less with  Covaxin, followed by 27.9%(115) respondents believes that no many differences between both brands, followed by 16.7%(69) respondents are thinking that side effects are less with Covishield in the study area. Conclusions: It has been concluded that the Majority of the respondents in the study area are well versed with the dose, mode of vaccines. Inefficacy and effectiveness, side effects of vaccines, respondents are different opinions. The government has to promote the two vaccines and take steps to curtail the myths about these two vaccines through advertisements in electronic media, print media