Effect of a hospital-wide campaign on COVID-19 vaccination uptake among healthcare workers in the context of raised concerns for life-threatening side effects

Abstract

Background All healthcare workers (HCWs) in Yongin Severance Hospital were allocated to receive the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine according to national policy. A report of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) associated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 led to hesitancy about receiving the second dose among HCWs who had received the first dose. Methods From 7 to 14 May, 2021, we performed a survey to identify the factors associated with hesitancy about receiving the second vaccine dose among HCWs at the hospital who had received the first dose of the vaccine. Based on survey results, a hospital-wide campaign was implemented on 18 May 2021 to improve vaccine coverage. HCWs who completed the second dose completed a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the effect of the campaign. Findings Of 1,171 HCWs who had received the first dose of the vaccine, 71.5% completed the online survey, of whom 3.7% refused to take the second dose and 22.3% showed hesitancy. Hesitancy to receive a second dose was significantly associated with age under 30 years and concerns about TTS, and was less common among those who trusted effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. Among HCWs who received the first dose, 96.2% completed vaccination with the second dose between 27 May and 4 June, 2021. Of those who answered the questionnaire asked about the timing of their decision to receive the second dose, 57.1% reported that they were motivated by the hospital-wide campaign. Conclusion A tailored intervention strategy based on a survey can improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCWs.

Perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 vaccines’ side effects among healthcare workers at an Egyptian University Hospital: a cross-sectional study

“…A structured self-administered questionnaire, adapted from Kim et al study in China [ 24 ]. The questionnaire was reviewed and pilot tested on 30 HCWs to check the acceptability and clarity of the questions.…”

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers—A Review

“…Previous vaccination habits, particularly regarding influenza, were correlated with support for/receiving COVID-19 vaccination [54,56,76,114,115]. This suggests that hesitancy for the COVID-19 vaccine may be rooted in previous vaccine hesitancy.…”

“…Sending out reminders or email "nudges" as one institution did, might also be useful [250]. Organizations have also reported success in increasing vaccination rates using "drives" or institution-wide vaccination campaigns [115].…”

A qualitative study exploring healthcare providers’ and trainees’ barriers to COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake

“…A systematic review of global COVID-19 vaccine intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed varying levels of self-reported intentions among nurses (40–63%), healthcare workers (28–77%), and doctors and trainees (62–78%) (Sallam, 2021 ). Although intentions were poorer, studies conducted later during the pandemic revealed high COVID-19 vaccine uptake (Green-Mckenzie et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2021 ), suggesting health campaigns, organizational policies, and vaccine mandates were effective at increasing coverage (Schumacher et al, 2021 ). Despite this intended positive outcome, some HCPs report concerns about COVID-19 vaccines (Kim et al, 2021 ), and many studies point to low influenza vaccine coverage among providers (Dubé et al, 2014 ; Genovese et al, 2019 ; Lam et al, 2010 ; To et al, 2016 ) indicating vaccine campaigns and interventions can be further improved.…”

“…Although intentions were poorer, studies conducted later during the pandemic revealed high COVID-19 vaccine uptake (Green-Mckenzie et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2021 ), suggesting health campaigns, organizational policies, and vaccine mandates were effective at increasing coverage (Schumacher et al, 2021 ). Despite this intended positive outcome, some HCPs report concerns about COVID-19 vaccines (Kim et al, 2021 ), and many studies point to low influenza vaccine coverage among providers (Dubé et al, 2014 ; Genovese et al, 2019 ; Lam et al, 2010 ; To et al, 2016 ) indicating vaccine campaigns and interventions can be further improved. This hesitancy indicates potential gaps in the application of behavioural interventions and current vaccine-related communication.…”