The ethicality of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in Uganda: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 spread globally and caused greater than 3.9 million deaths worldwide. Approximately 2.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered worldwide. Some studies suggested that vaccination was the most effective strategy for mitigating COVID-19. However, due to vaccine hesitancy, many people ended up shunning vaccinations. The parliamentary committee on health in Uganda proposed making coronavirus vaccinations mandatory and as a result, the Public Health Act was amended in 2022 making vaccinations of immunizable diseases mandatory. There has been limited scientific studies to explore the views of healthcare workers, bioethicists, and the general public on the ethicality of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in Uganda. Objective: To explore the views of healthcare workers, bioethicists, and the general public on the ethicality of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study was conducted in Mulago National Referral Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Wandegeya, and Mulago areas. Fifteen participants were purposively selected based on their expertise for in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with a total of twenty-four participants. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. The coding was both deductive and inductive. NVivo software 12 was used to support data analysis and illustrative quotes were extracted. Results: Participants expressed views on the ethicality of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. Their views were split where 21 participants supported mandates, 5 had reservations and 13 were against it. Among the reasons for support of vaccine mandates was reduced infection rates. Those against vaccine mandates held that their autonomy was violated. Conclusion: This inquiry into the ethicality of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations raised mixed views among the stakeholders and implementors of vaccination programs should have put this in mind