Perception of Health Complications After COVID-19 Vaccination Among the Elderly in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant health risks to the elderly population, where vaccination has become an important public health strategy to protect this vulnerable group. The objective of this study is to understand existing knowledge on the COVID-19 vaccine and identifying the health complication concerns among the elderly regarding the vaccine. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 informants aged 60 and above in Malaysia through snowball sampling. Eight main themes were derived from the analysis, which are; (i) types and effects of Pfizer vaccines (ii) types and effects of Astrazeneca vaccines, (iii) types and effects of Sinovac vaccines, (iv) types and effects of mixed vaccines, (v) forced to be vaccinated to protect oneself and family, (vi) vaccines improve the immune system, (vii) vaccination as an individual choice, (viii) vaccines cause health complications. The findings of this study explain that the elderly who have received two doses of the vaccine understand the function of the vaccine, which is to improve the body's immune system and protect them and their families from the COVID-19 epidemic. However, misinformation on social media and bad experiences of complications after taking the COVID-19 vaccine, the elderly has become more cautious and hesitant to receive a second booster dose. In addition, the elderly has concerns about health complications that they believe may increase the risk of taking the vaccine. Future communication strategies should address these varying perceptions to promote vaccination confidence.