COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours among health and social care workers in the UK: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

BackgroundThe UK began delivering its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 December 2020, with health and social care workers (H&SCWs) given high priority for vaccination. Despite well- documented occupational exposure risks, however, there is evidence of lower uptake among some H&SCW groups.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach - involving an online cross-sectional survey and semi- structured interviews – to gain insight into COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours amongst H&SCWs in the UK by socio-demographic and employment variables. 1917 people were surveyed – 1658 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 261 social care workers (SCWs). Twenty participants were interviewed.FindingsWorkplace factors contributed to vaccination access and uptake. SCWs were more likely to not be offered COVID-19 vaccination than HCWs (OR:1.453, 95%CI: 1.244 – 1.696). SCWs specifically reported uncertainties around how to access COVID-19 vaccination. Participants who indicated stronger agreement with the statement ‘I would recommend my organisation as a place to work’ were more likely to have been offered COVID-19 vaccination (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.06 – 1.56). Those who agreed more strongly with the statement ‘I feel/felt under pressure from my employer to get a COVID-19 vaccine’ were more likely to have declined vaccination (OR:1.75, 95%CI: 1.27– 2.41). Interviewees that experienced employer pressure to get vaccinated felt this exacerbated their vaccine concerns and increased distrust.In comparison to White British and White Irish participants, Black African and Mixed Black African participants were more likely to not be offered (OR:2.011, 95%CI: 1.026 – 3.943) and more likely to have declined COVID-19 vaccination (OR:5.55, 95%CI: 2.29 – 13.43). Reasons for declining vaccination among Black African participants included distrust in COVID-19 vaccination, healthcare providers, and policymakers.ConclusionH&SCW employers are in a pivotal position to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination access, by ensuring staff are aware of how to get vaccinated and promoting a workplace environment in which vaccination decisions are informed and voluntary.

The potential impact of vaccine passports on inclination to accept COVID-19 vaccinations in the United Kingdom: Evidence from a large cross-sectional survey and modeling study

“…especially when these passports cover domestic activities as opposed to international travel. These findings are in alignment with recent evidence in the UK that suggests thtat health and social care workers who feel pressured to vaccinate are less likely to vaccinate [27]. In overall terms, then, our findings point to a scenario in which passports may accelerate the rate at which maximum numbers of the population are vaccinated while simultaneously lowering the level of that maximum.…”

The potential impact of vaccine passports on inclination to accept COVID-19 vaccinations in the United Kingdom: evidence from a large cross-sectional survey and modelling study

“…Overall, this remaining group expresses lower intentions to get vaccinated when vaccine passports are mentioned, especially when these passports cover domestic activities as opposed to international travel. Recent evidence among health and social care workers in the UK suggests that feeling pressured to vaccinate is associated with lower uptake 29 .…”

Sharing of best practices from an emergency medical team deployment in Papua New Guinea: Piloting a community engagement workshop targeting COVID-19 vaccine uptake

“…1 In Papua New Guinea (PNG), similar to other countries, false information and negative perceptions about COVID-19 in general and vaccination in particular has caused delays in vaccination uptake. 2 Studies have shown that vaccine acceptance among health care professionals is problematic. 3 Although the reluctance identi ed for the COVID-19 vaccine was higher than that seen for vaccines like human papillomavirus (HPV) in 2006 and measles-rubella (MR) in 1963, vaccine hesitancy to a newly released vaccine is not novel and has also been evident with previously introduced vaccines.…”