Differences in COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Hesitancy, and Confidence between Healthcare Workers and the General Population in Japan

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.

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Correlates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and refusal among employees of a safety net California county health system with an early and aggressive vaccination program: Results from a cross-sectional survey

10.1101/2021.09.14.21263588 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nicole M. Gatto ◽

Jerusha E Lee ◽

Donatella Massai ◽

Susanna Zamarripa ◽

Bijan Sasaninia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Model Building ◽

Safety Net ◽

Childhood Vaccination ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Job Classification

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.

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Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Sudan: A Cross Sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-745232/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amna Khairy ◽

Esra Mahgoob ◽

Mohammad Nimir ◽

Mohammed Ahmed ◽

Mawahib Jubara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nursing Profession ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Web Based ◽

Perceived Harm ◽

Structured Questionnaire

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.

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-983138/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sky Wei Chee Koh ◽

Yiyang Liow ◽

Victor Weng Keong Loh ◽

Seaw Jia Liew ◽

Yiong-Huak Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Primary Healthcare ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Collective Responsibility ◽

Acceptance Rate ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance

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).

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COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers in India: Results from a cross-sectional survey

10.1101/2021.08.10.21261868 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kayur Mehta ◽

Baldeep Dhaliwal ◽

Sanjay Zodpey ◽

Stacie Loisate ◽

Preetika Banerjee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Scientific Progress ◽

Data Availability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Targeted Interventions

Background Remarkable scientific progress has enabled expeditious development of effective vaccines against COVID-19. While healthcare workers (HCWs) have been at the frontlines for the pandemic response, vaccine acceptance amongst them needs further study. Methods A web-based survey to assess vaccine acceptance and preparedness in India was disseminated to HCWs working in various settings between January and February 2021, shortly after the launch of Indias vaccination campaign. Descriptive statistics were used to examine respondent demographics and Likert scale responses. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Results The survey yielded 624 respondents from 25 states and five union territories in India; 53.5% were male, and median age was 37 years (IQR 32-46). Amongst all respondents, 84.1% (525/624) supported COVID-19 vaccines, and 63.2% (141/223) of those unvaccinated at the time of survey administration were willing to accept a vaccine. Reliability on government sources, healthcare providers or scientific journal articles for COVID-19 related information was reported by 66.8%, while confidence in social media for this information was reported by only 4.5%. Factors independently associated with vaccine acceptance included advancing age (aOR 3.50 [95% CI, 1.04-11.76] for those above 45 years), evidence of vaccine effectiveness and safety (aOR 3.78 [95% CI 1.15-12.38]), and provision of free/no-cost vaccine (aOR 2.63 [95% CI, 1.06-6.50]). Most respondents (80%) were confident about their hospital being equipped to efficiently rollout COVID-19 vaccines to the general population. Conclusions Overall attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and preparedness were positive among HCWs in India, although acceptance was lower among healthier and younger HCWs. Data availability on vaccine safety and effectiveness, and cost considerations were important for acceptance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve vaccine acceptance amongst HCWs, since they are critical in promoting vaccine acceptance amongst the general population.

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Correlates of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Hesitancy and Refusal among Employees of a Safety Net California County Health System with an Early and Aggressive Vaccination Program: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101152 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1152

Author(s):

Nicole M. Gatto ◽

Jerusha E. Lee ◽

Donatella Massai ◽

Susanna Zamarripa ◽

Bijan Sasaninia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Model Building ◽

Safety Net ◽

Childhood Vaccination ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Job Classification

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.

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Real-World Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers in Perinatal Medicine in China

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070704 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 704

Author(s):

Biyun Xu ◽

Xuelian Gao ◽

Xinyue Zhang ◽

Yali Hu ◽

Huixia Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Real World ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Present Survey ◽

Perinatal Medicine ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Questionnaire Online ◽

Convincing Data

Surveys showed that vaccine hesitancy may influence the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population. Currently, the actual acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in HCWs has rarely been reported. In the present survey, we investigated the real-world acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in HCWs in perinatal medicine during the first three-month period of vaccination in China and to identify the main reason for the decline of vaccination. HCWs (1087) who participated in a Chinese national symposium on perinatal medicine during 16–18 April 2021 were invited to answer a 27-question questionnaire online. A total of 1051 HCWs completed the questionnaire. Of them, 86.2% (906/1051) accepted the COVID-19 vaccination and 13.8% (145/1051) declined the vaccination. Because of the vaccine hesitancy, one-fourth of the vaccinated participants did not accept the vaccination until consulted with others or requested by employers. The main reason for the decline of vaccination in 145 unvaccinated HCWs was the concern about vaccine safety. The results indicate that vaccination request by employers may promote vaccine acceptance. More convincing data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines appears to be important to increase the acceptance of vaccination.

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Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Results from the Saudi Residents’ Intention to Get Vaccinated against COVID-19 (SRIGVAC) Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070798 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 798

Author(s):

Sami H. Alzahrani ◽

Mukhtiar Baig ◽

Mohammed W. Alrabia ◽

Mohammed R. Algethami ◽

Meshari M. Alhamdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Relative Risk Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Web Based

Vaccine uptake could influence vaccination efforts to control the widespread COVID-19 pandemic; however, little is known about vaccine acceptance in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess the Saudi public’s intent to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and explore the associated demographic determinants of their intentions as well as the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to public individuals in Saudi Arabia between 25 December 2020 and 15 February 2021. Participants were asked if they were willing to get vaccinated, and the responses, along with demographic data were entered into a multinomial logistic regression model to assess the relative risk ratio (RRR) for responding “no” or “unsure” versus “yes”. Among 3048 participants (60.1% female, 89.5% Saudi), 52.9% intend to get vaccinated, 26.8% were unsure, and 20.3% refused vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy was significantly higher among females (RRR = 2.70, p < 0.0001) and those who had not been recently vaccinated for influenza (RRR = 2.63, p < 0.0001). The likelihood was lower among Saudis (RRR = 0.49, p < 0.0001), those with less than a secondary education (RRR = 0.16, p < 0.0001), perceived risks of COVID-19, and residents of the southern region (RRR = 0.46, p < 0.0001). The most often cited reasons for hesitancy were short clinical testing periods and concerns about adverse events or effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy is mediated by many demographic factors and personal beliefs. To address vaccine-related concerns and amend deeply rooted health beliefs, communication should provide transparent information.

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Acceptance Rates and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.4269/ajtmh.21-0297 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Farah Yasmin ◽

Waleed Asghar ◽

Maryam Salma Babar ◽

Hiba Khan ◽

Shoaib Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Polio Vaccination ◽

Acceptance Rates ◽

To Receive ◽

Do So

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective.

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Early COVID-19 Vaccination of Romanian Medical and Social Personnel

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101127 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1127

Author(s):

Loredana Sabina Cornelia Manolescu ◽

Corneliu Nicolae Zaharia ◽

Anca Irina Dumitrescu ◽

Irina Prasacu ◽

Mihaela Corina Radu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Medical Profession ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Virus ◽

Medical Doctor ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

First Choice

Background: In December 2020, the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Romania and were made available to medical and social staff. Vaccine hesitancy appeared as a barrier to effectively ending the pandemic. The opinions of medical and social staff influence the opinion of the general population. This study assesess the attitudes, knowledge, and opinion of medical and social personnel toward COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination and the influencing factors. Methods: 1025 persons participated in an online cross-sectional study from March until July 2021. Results: Out of 1021 eligible responders, 719 (70.42%) had been vaccinated: 227 with one dose (22.23%) and 492 with two doses (48.18%). There were 302 responders who were not vaccinated at all. Out of them, 188 refused vaccinations. The participants showed a good understanding and knowledge of SARScoV-2 transmission and treatment. Geographic area, medical profession, and medical experience influenced COVID-19 vaccination (p < 0.001). There were no associations between willingness to vaccinate and vaccine/virus knowledge. Most of the responders who were vaccinated or wanted to be vaccinated indicated an mRNA vaccine as their first choice. The variables that were significantly associated with reporting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance after logistic regression were: living in an urban area (Ora = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.98–2.56), being female (Ora = 1.59; 95% CI:1.03–2.44), and being a medical doctor (Ora = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.84–6.26). Conclusions: These findings show that vaccine hesitancy persists in medical and social personnel in Romania, and, hence, it may be reflected in the hesitancy of the general population toward vaccination.

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1172. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Caregivers of Hospitalized Children

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1365 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S677-S677

Author(s):

Marisa Orbea ◽

Rachel Cunningham ◽

C Mary Healy ◽

Julie A Boom ◽

Claire Bocchini

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Hospitalized Children ◽

Parent Attitudes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Childhood Vaccines ◽

To Receive

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)

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