ASSESSING THE AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION CAMPAIGN AMONGST BAZE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

ABSTRACT This study assesses the awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns among students at Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted higher education, necessitating effective vaccination efforts to ensure student health and educational continuity. Despite the availability of vaccines, hesitancy remains prevalent, particularly among young adults. The study aims to identify the levels of awareness, knowledge regarding vaccine efficacy and safety, information sources, and attitudes towards vaccination among the university's diverse student population. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data will be collected from 395 students through a structured questionnaire. The study employs a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representation across different faculties and academic levels. Analytical methods will include descriptive statistics to evaluate awareness and knowledge levels and identify correlations between these factors and vaccine acceptance. The findings will provide insights into the barriers and facilitators affecting vaccination uptake, addressing issues like misinformation and trust in healthcare systems. This research is crucial for developing targeted health communication strategies that resonate with students' specific concerns, ultimately aiming to enhance vaccination rates and public health outcomes. The study contributes to understanding vaccine acceptance in higher education settings, informing future interventions in similar contexts.