A Review of Determinants of Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Healthcare & Public Health Professionals

News

Mar 15, 2023

Vaccines are the most effective intervention in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccinations of healthcare workers aim to directly protect them from occupational diseases, and indirectly protect their patients and communities. However, previous studies increasingly highlight that healthcare workers can be vaccine hesitant.

In a recent article published by the researchers of the WFPHA and its International Immunization Policy Taskforce, they investigated healthcare workers’ and public health professionals’ sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccination and determinants across different countries and regions.

According to the article, the proportion of healthcare workers accepting the COVID-19 vaccines varied significantly across regions and within regions across different countries. The highest COVID-19 vaccination uptake was found in an Italian study (98.9%) and the lowest in Cyprus (30%). Determinants, such as male gender, older age, physician occupation, higher education levels, presence of comorbidities, and previous influenza vaccine history are personal determinants that were associated with high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance.

According to the article, perceived side effects of the vaccine, perceived lack of effectiveness and efficacy, and lack of information and knowledge were factors for low acceptance. Factors for acceptance were knowledge, confidence in the vaccine, government, and health authorities, and increased perception of fear and susceptibility.

The article recommended that interventions must be implemented with vaccination campaigns to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.