Changes in vaccine attitudes and recommendations among US Healthcare Personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

A recommendation from healthcare personnel (HCP) is a strong predictor of vaccination. This study aimed to measure how HCP vaccine attitudes and recommendations changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. HCP were surveyed in January 2023 using a double opt-in network panel. Survey responses were summarized and stratified by HCP type and COVID-19 booster status. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Comparisons were made to a September 2021 survey, with differences tested for significance (p < 0.05) using Pearson’s χ2 Test. Nearly 82% of the 1207 HCP surveyed had received a COVID-19 booster, most commonly pediatricians (94%), followed by family medicine doctors (87%), pharmacists (74%), and nurses (73%) (p < 0.01). HCP with high trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had nearly 6 times the odds (OR: 5.5; 95%CI: 3.9–7.7) of being boosted compared to HCP with low trust. From September 2021 to January 2023, the proportion of HCP recommending vaccines (COVID-19 and routine) to their patients decreased substantially for nearly all vaccines and patient populations specified. Trust in CDC also decreased (from 79 to 73%, p < 0.01), as did support for HCP COVID-19 vaccine mandates (from 65 to 46%, p < 0.01). HCP interest in additional online resources to improve their vaccine discussions with patients increased from 46 to 66% (p < 0.01). Additional regularly updated online resources from trusted medical sources that clarify progressing science and address dynamic public concerns are needed to improve vaccine confidence among HCP and help them support their patients’ decision-making.