Predictors and barriers to vaccination among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon: a cross-sectional analysis of a multi-wave longitudinal study

This paper sought to explain the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Syrian refugees aged 50 years or older in Lebanon and to understand their main reasons for not receiving the vaccine.

A cross-sectional analysis of a five-wave longitudinal study, conducted through telephone interviews between Sept 22, 2020, and March 14, 2022, was undertaken. 2906 participants completed both wave 3 and 5; 42·5% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The main reasons for not receiving the first dose included being afraid of its side-effects or not wanting the vaccine. 27·7% received the second dose of the vaccine and 0·9% received the third dose. The main reason for not receiving the second or third dose was waiting for a text message for an appointment. Predictors of receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine included younger age, being male, living inside informal tented settlements, having elementary and preparatory education or above, and having a pre-existing intention to receive the vaccine.

There is an ongoing need to address COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older Syrian refugees by improving deployment planning and raising awareness about the importance of vaccination.