scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Singaporean Primary Healthcare Workers

Author(s):  
Sky Wei Chee Koh ◽  
Yiyang Liow ◽  
Victor Weng Keong Loh ◽  
Seaw Jia Liew ◽  
Yiong-Huak Chan ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundFactors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among primary healthcare workers (HCW) remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among HCW.MethodsA multi-centre online cross-sectional survey was performed across 6 primary care clinics from May to June 2021, after completion of vaccination exercise. Demographics, profession, years working in healthcare, residential status, presence of chronic medical conditions, self-perceived risk of acquiring COVID-19 and previous influenza vaccination were collected. HCW who accepted vaccine were then asked to rank their top 5 reasons for vaccine acceptance; HCW who were vaccine hesitant had to complete the 5C scale on psychological antecedents of vaccination.Results557 out of 1182 eligible HCW responded (47.1%). 29 were excluded due to existing contraindications. Among 557 respondents, vaccine acceptance rate was 94.9% (n=501) and 5.1% were hesitant (n=27). COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was not associated with sex, age, ethnicity, profession, number of years in healthcare, living status, presence of chronic diseases, self-perceived risk or previous influenza vaccination. The top 3 reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance ranked by 501 HCW were to protect their family and friends, protect themselves from COVID-19 and due to high risk of acquiring COVID-19 because of their jobs. The 15-item questionnaire from the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination was completed by 27 vaccine hesitant HCW. The mean scores for the components of the 5Cs were: ‘Confidence’ (3.96), ‘Complacency’ (3.23), ‘Constraint’ (2.85), ‘Calculation’ (5.79) and ‘Collective responsibility’ (4.12).ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a minute issue among Singapore primary HCW, having achieved close to 95% acceptance rate with 5% hesitancy rate. Future studies can focus on other settings with higher hesitancy rates, and acceptance of booster vaccinations with the emergence of the delta COVID-19 variant.Trial RegistrationThis study was approved by the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB), Singapore on 26th April 2021 (Reg No. 2021/00213).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Gatto ◽  
Jerusha E Lee ◽  
Donatella Massai ◽  
Susanna Zamarripa ◽  
Bijan Sasaninia ◽  
...  

Information on vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers is needed as health professionals provide front line care to COVID-19 patients. We developed and implemented an anonymous internet-based cross-sectional survey with direct solicitation among employees of a safety net health system. Items queried demographic and health-related characteristics, experience with and knowledge of COVID-19, and determinants of decisions to vaccinate. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance groups (acceptors, hesitant, refusers) were defined; an adapted version of the WHO vaccine hesitancy scale was included. The survey demonstrated good reliability (Cronbachs alpha = 0.92 for vaccine hesitancy scale; 0.93 for determinants). General linear and logistic regression methods examined factors which were univariately associated with vaccine hesitancy and vaccine acceptance, respectively. Multivariable models were constructed with stepwise model-building procedures. Race/ethnicity, marital status, job classification, immunocompromised status, flu vaccination and childhood vaccination opinions independently predicted hesitancy scale scores. Gender, education, job classification and BMI independently predicted acceptance, hesitancy and refusal groups. Among hesitant employees, uncertainty was reflected in reports of motivating factors influencing their indecision. Despite a strong employee-support environment and job protection, respondents reported physical and mental health effects. Appreciation of varied reasons for refusing vaccination should lead to culturally sensitive interventions to increase vaccination rates in healthcare workers.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Mariam Al-Sanafi ◽  
Malik Sallam

Acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination appears as a decisive factor necessary to control the ongoing pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the highest risk groups for infection. The current study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in Kuwait, with identification of the psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The study was conducted using an online anonymous survey distributed between 18 March 2021 and 29 March 2021. The sampling strategy was convenience-based depending on chain-referral sampling. Psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were assessed using the 5C subscales and the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS). The total number of study participants was 1019, with the largest group being physicians (28.7%), pharmacists (20.2%), dentists (16.7%), and nurses (12.5%). The overall rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 83.3%, with 9.0% who were not willing to accept vaccination and 7.7% who were unsure. The highest rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among dentists (91.2%) and physicians (90.4%), while the lowest rate was seen among nurses (70.1%; p < 0.001). A higher level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found among females, participants with a lower educational level, and HCWs in the private sector. A preference for mRNA vaccine technology and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was found among the majority of participants (62.6% and 69.7%, respectively). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was significantly linked to the embrace of vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The highest 5C psychological predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were high levels of collective responsibility and confidence, and lower levels of constraints and calculation. The VCBS and 5C subscales (except the calculation subscale) showed acceptable levels of predicting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance based on receiver operating characteristic analyses. The participants who depended on social media platforms, TV programs, and news releases as their main sources of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines showed higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. An overall satisfactory level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among HCWs in Kuwait, which was among the highest rates reported globally. However; higher levels of vaccine hesitancy were observed among certain groups (females, nurses and laboratory workers, HCWs in the private sector), which should be targeted with more focused awareness programs. HCWs in Kuwait can play a central role in educating their patients and the general public about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2, considering the high rates of vaccine hesitancy observed among the general public in Kuwait and the Middle East.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 686
Author(s):  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Caterina Ledda ◽  
Raffaele Squeri ◽  
Vincenzo Restivo ◽  
Alessandra Casuccio ◽  
...  

Influenza is an infectious disease with a high impact on the population in terms of morbidity and mortality, but despite International and European guidelines, vaccination coverage rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain very low. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influenza vaccination adherence in the three Sicilian University Hospitals of Catania, Messina, and Palermo and to understand the attitudes and perceptions of vaccinated healthcare workers and the main reasons for vaccination refusal. A cross-sectional survey through a self-administered questionnaire was conducted during the 2019/2020 influenza season. Overall, 2356 vaccinated healthcare workers answered the questionnaire. The main reason reported for influenza vaccination adherence during the 2019/2020 season was to protect patients. Higher self-perceived risk of contracting influenza and a positive attitude to recommending vaccination to patients were significantly associated with influenza vaccination adherence during the last five seasons via multivariable analysis. Fear of an adverse reaction was the main reason for influenza vaccine refusal. In accordance with these findings, Public Health institutions should develop and tailor formative and informative campaigns to reduce principal barriers to the immunization process and promote influenza vaccination adherence among HCWs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Khairy ◽  
Esra Mahgoob ◽  
Mohammad Nimir ◽  
Mohammed Ahmed ◽  
Mawahib Jubara ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Following emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines, several studies have investigated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Nevertheless, the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine by HCWs in Sudan remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and it’s determinants among the HCWs. Methods: A web-based cross sectional study design was used to study COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated determinants. The semi-structured questionnaire was distributed electronically, data collection took place from March-April 2021. Results: A total of 576 HCWs have responded to the survey with mean age of 35 years. The majority were females (53.3%), Medical Doctors (55.4%), and located in the capital state; Khartoum (76.0%). The absolute refusal of COVID-19 vaccine was expressed by 16% of the respondents while 57% were willing to get vaccinated. Males were twice to four times more likely to accept the vaccine. Lower acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the nursing profession (OR= 0.35, 95% CI:0.15-0.82, P<0.00), increased perceived harm from the vaccine (OR= 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05-0.23, P <0.00), lack of confidence in the source of vaccine (OR= 0.16, 95% CI:0.08-0.31, P=0.00), organizations and government supervising COVID-19 vaccination process ( OR=0.31, 95% CI:0.17-0.58 P=0.00). Conclusion: This study highlights a moderate level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability by the HCWs in Sudan. Effective communication of correct, regular, up-to-date evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines is crucial to building trust in vaccines. Special consideration should be in place to address vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs and the nursing profession.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1389
Author(s):  
Megumi Hara ◽  
Motoki Ishibashi ◽  
Atsushi Nakane ◽  
Takashi Nakano ◽  
Yoshio Hirota

Little is known about the differences in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance and hesitancy between the general population and healthcare workers in Japan. To compare these differences, a nationwide web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 19 January 2021, shortly before the initiation of COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan. A total of 6180 men and women aged 20–69 years and 1030 healthcare workers aged 20–69 years were enrolled. Data on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, basic characteristics, including socioeconomic factors, and confidence in immunization in general were collected. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was also evaluated under hypothetical vaccine effectiveness and adverse event frequencies. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were examined using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 48.6% among the general population and was lower among nurses (45.5%) and medical clerks (40.7%). Women and young adults had significantly higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy odds ratios, and current smokers had significantly lower odds ratios. The frequency of adverse events was a COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy factor. Even if these factors were adjusted, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among nurses was 1.4 times higher than that among the general population. Thus, interventions to improve health literacy and vaccine hesitancy among the general population and healthcare workers, especially nurses, are needed.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257096
Author(s):  
Sultan Mahmud ◽  
Md. Mohsin ◽  
Ijaz Ahmed Khan ◽  
Ashraf Uddin Mian ◽  
Miah Akib Zaman

Bangladesh govt. launched a nationwide vaccination drive against SARS-CoV-2 infection from early February 2021. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines and examine the factors associated with the acceptance in Bangladesh. In between January 30 to February 6, 2021, we conducted a web-based anonymous cross-sectional survey among the Bangladeshi general population. At the start of the survey, there was a detailed consent section that explained the study’s intent, the types of questions we would ask, the anonymity of the study, and the study’s voluntary nature. The survey only continued when a respondent consented, and the answers were provided by the respondents themselves. The multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors that influence the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 605 eligible respondents took part in this survey (population size 1630046161 and required sample size 591) with an age range of 18 to 100. A large proportion of the respondents are aged less than 50 (82%) and male (62.15%). The majority of the respondents live in urban areas (60.83%). A total of 61.16% (370/605) of the respondents were willing to accept/take the COVID-19 vaccine. Among the accepted group, only 35.14% showed the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine immediately, while 64.86% would delay the vaccination until they are confirmed about the vaccine’s efficacy and safety or COVID-19 becomes deadlier in Bangladesh. The regression results showed age, gender, location (urban/rural), level of education, income, perceived risk of being infected with COVID-19 in the future, perceived severity of infection, having previous vaccination experience after age 18, having higher knowledge about COVID-19 and vaccination were significantly associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. The research reported a high prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine refusal and hesitancy in Bangladesh. To diminish the vaccine hesitancy and increase the uptake, the policymakers need to design a well-researched immunization strategy to remove the vaccination barriers. To improve vaccine acceptance among people, false rumors and misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines must be dispelled (especially on the internet) and people must be exposed to the actual scientific facts.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1152
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Gatto ◽  
Jerusha E. Lee ◽  
Donatella Massai ◽  
Susanna Zamarripa ◽  
Bijan Sasaninia ◽  
...  

Since health professionals provide frontline care to COVID-19 patients, information on vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers is needed. We developed and implemented an anonymous internet-based cross-sectional survey with direct solicitation among employees of a safety net health system. Items queried demographic and health-related characteristics, experience with and knowledge of COVID-19, and determinants of decisions to vaccinate. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance groups (acceptors, hesitant, refusers) were defined; an adapted version of the WHO vaccine hesitancy scale was included. The survey demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92 for vaccine hesitancy scale; 0.93 for determinants). General linear and logistic regression methods examined factors which were univariately associated with vaccine hesitancy and vaccine acceptance, respectively. Multivariable models were constructed with stepwise model-building procedures. Race/ethnicity, marital status, job classification, immunocompromised status, flu vaccination and childhood vaccination opinions independently predicted hesitancy scale scores. Gender, education, job classification and BMI independently predicted acceptance, hesitancy, and refusal groups. Among hesitant employees, uncertainty was reflected in reports of motivating factors influencing their indecision. Despite a strong employee-support environment and job protection, respondents reported physical and mental health effects. The appreciation of varied reasons for refusing vaccination should lead to culturally sensitive interventions to increase vaccination rates amongst healthcare workers.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 695
Author(s):  
Giorgia Della Polla ◽  
Francesca Licata ◽  
Silvia Angelillo ◽  
Concetta Paola Pelullo ◽  
Aida Bianco ◽  
...  

Understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 on receiving influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is of utmost importance. The purposes of the present cross-sectional study were to describe the characteristics and to explore the predictors of receiving influenza vaccination among a large cohort of Italian HCWs in hospital settings. Information was collected through an anonymous questionnaire from December 2020 through January 2021. General and practice characteristics, perceived risk of seasonal influenza, attitudes towards efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination, and reasons behind the decision to be vaccinated against influenza were explored. Fewer than half (46.2%) of HCWs agreed that influenza is a serious illness and perceived the risk of getting infected with influenza, and concerns about the safety of the vaccination were significant positive predictors. Fewer than half of the respondents were not concerned at all about the efficacy (48.6%) and safety (49.8%) of influenza vaccination, and 51.9% reported that they have not received a seasonal influenza vaccine during the previous season. The most mentioned reason for receiving the influenza vaccine in the current season was that influenza and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms. Study results will aid policymakers in developing vaccination education programs, promotion of trust to address negative misconceptions, and to achieve future high coverage among this high-risk group.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Vaux ◽  
Laure Fonteneau ◽  
Anne-Gaëlle Venier ◽  
Arnaud Gautier ◽  
Sophan Soing Altrach ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The burden of influenza morbidity and mortality in nursing homes (NH) is high. Vaccination of residents and healthcare workers (HCW) is the main prevention strategy. Despite recommendations, HCW vaccination coverage is generally low. Methods We performed a nationwide cross-sectional survey of NH using a single-stage stratified random sampling design to estimate influenza vaccination coverage in nursing home HCW in France during the 2019-2020 season, and to identify measures likely to increase it. A multivariate analysis was performed using a negative binomial regression. Results Overall influenza vaccination coverage in HCW was 31.9% (95% CI [29.7-34.1]). It varied according to occupational category: 75.5% [69.3-81.7] for physicians, 42.9% [39.4-46.4] for nurses, 26.7% [24.5-29.0] for nursing assistants, and 34.0% [30.1-38.0] for other paramedical personnel. When considering all professionals (i.e., HCW and non-medical professionals), overall vaccination coverage was 30.6% [28.2-33.0]. Vaccination coverage was higher in private nursing homes, in i) small nursing homes, ii) when vaccination was offered free of charge (RRa: 1.4, [1.1-1.8]), iii) when vaccination promotion for professionals included individual (RRa: 1.6 [1.1-2.1]) or collective (RRa: 1.3 [1.1-1.5]) information sessions, videos or games (RRa: 1.4 [1.2-1.6], iv) when information on influenza vaccines was provided (RRa: 1.2 [1.0-1.3], and finally, vi) when a vaccination point of contact - defined as an HCW who could provide reliable information on vaccination - was nominated within the nursing home (RRa: 1.7 [1.3-2.2]). Conclusions Urgent and innovative actions are required to increase coverage in HCW. Vaccination programmes should include free vaccination and education campaigns, and particularly target nursing assistants. The results of this nationwide study provide keys for improving influenza vaccination coverage in HCW. Programmes should ensure that information on influenza vaccines is provided by a vaccination point of contact in NH using attractive media. Combining the different prevention measures proposed could increase coverage in NH nationwide by over 50%.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S677-S677
Author(s):  
Marisa Orbea ◽  
Rachel Cunningham ◽  
C Mary Healy ◽  
Julie A Boom ◽  
Claire Bocchini

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is hindering nationwide vaccination efforts; little is known about caregiver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance for children. We aimed to identify associations with SARS-CoV-2 VH in caregivers of hospitalized children. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 months - 18 years at a large pediatric medical institution. Parents were approached daily, averaging 4-5 days/week, from 12/8/2020--4/5/2021. VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Responses were categorized. Results 295/307 (96%) of approached caregivers enrolled; 79% were ≥ 30 years, 68% were married/ living with a partner, and 57% had at least some college. 36% identified as white, 19% Black, and 46% Hispanic/ Latino. 53% of caregiver children had public insurance. 91% of caregivers self-reported their children were up to date with routine vaccines. 17% of caregivers were vaccine-hesitant overall. 50% of caregivers were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine themselves. Figure 1 shows intention to vaccinate their child by PACV score. 65% knew someone who was hospitalized for COVID-19. 67% were scared of their child getting COVID-19. However, 49% were scared of their child getting the vaccine, 28% did not want to vaccinate their child and 27% were neutral in the intention to vaccinate their child. Caregivers who did not intend to vaccinate their child were more likely to be Black (27% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and less likely to be Hispanic/ Latino (33% vs. 49%, p=0.02). Table 1 shows attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine in caregivers who did or did not intend to vaccinate their child. Figure 1 COVID-19 vaccine uptake by PACV score Table 1 Caregiver attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusion The majority of caregivers believe that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will help control the pandemic, but less than half plan to vaccinate their children. A quarter of caregivers expressed uncertainty regarding the vaccine and therefore may be amenable to education and discussion. COVID-19 VH is different from VH towards routine vaccinations. More research is needed to address COVID-19 specific VH. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom (Shareholder)Intuitive (Shareholder)Quidel Corporation (Shareholder)Up to Date (Other Financial or Material Support, Honorarium)Vapotherm (Shareholder)


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document