# COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe

## TL;DR

This study examines how people with HIV in Zimbabwe use the COVID-19 vaccine, finding lower rates among adolescents and young people.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into vaccine utilization patterns among HIV-positive individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly among adolescents.

## Key findings

- Adolescents aged 15–19 were significantly less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Fear of side effects was the most common reason for not getting vaccinated.
- Living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of vaccination among people living with HIV.

## Abstract

Several studies have now highlighted COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the public. However, not much is known about COVID-19 vaccination amoung people living with HIV (PLHIV).

This study aimed to examine the predisposition of PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy to utilise the COVID-19 vaccine.

The study was done in urban and rural communities of Zimbabwe

The study utilised a concurrent triangulation design of which only one data collection phase was used. The quantitative data were collected from 2157 PLHIV on antiretroviral viral therapy through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. On the other hand, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews.

The study found a higher proportion of COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among adults in comparison to adolescents and young people. Fear of side effects contributed to the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Adolescents aged 15–19 years were significantly less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41–0.83). Being a previous contact of a COVID-19 case was significantly associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.92–6.10). Additionally, living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination among PLHIV (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05–1.83).

There is need to broaden to speak to the role of families, communities and healthcare workers ensuring adolescent and youth-friendly information and support for vaccinations.

The COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower among adolescents and young people compared to adults living with HIV. Adolescents and young people face challenges in accessing adolescent-friendly health services.