Ebola epidemic in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, 2018: Acceptability and patient satisfaction of the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus - Zaire Ebolavirus Vaccine

Abstract

Background: The current Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second largest in history and the first in which the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus - Zaire Ebolavirus (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine has been used at scale. We assessed side-effects, satisfaction, and attitudes toward the new vaccine.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey questionnaire from a convenience sample of 90 vaccine recipients and 96 community controls in Eastern DRC.

Results: Side-effects were reported in 75/90 (83%) vaccine recipients but only 5 (7%) and 4 (5%) reported arthralgia and rash, respectively. 76/90 (84%) vaccinees were classified as "promoters" (would recommend vaccine to others) and 6/90 (7%) as "detractors." 69/96 (72%) of unvaccinated community controls would wish to be vaccinated if supply were available. 153/186 (82%) would accept vaccination for family members.

Conclusions: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine was well tolerated, with high acceptability in the community during the current outbreak in the DRC.

Keywords: Ebola; Vaccine acceptability; Vaccine hesitancy; Vaccine satisfaction; rVSV-ZEBOV.