Table 1 Summary of the thematic table of the study findings

Lay theories of COVID-19 refusal

Beliefs concerning the COVID-19 vaccine

Non-existence of COVID-19

17

Immunity

6

Non-existence of vaccines

4

Vaccines meant for the sick

5

Meant to reduce Africa’s population

16

Triggers other health complications

11

Causes financial loss

11

Political mistrust

14

COVID-19 vaccine not permitted by God

3

Prayer averts COVID-19

6

Proposed recommendations for vaccine uptake

Persuasive communication

11

Publication of information on those who died of COVID-19

6

Providing evidence on tests conducted on the COVID-19 vaccine

9

Testing before vaccination

6

Provision of care to those that experience side effects

8

Explaining why varied vaccines are used

5