Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Most studies of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care workers (HCWs) have been descriptive, few have tested models to predict hesitancy, and none have examined the possible relationship between HCWs’ distress and vaccine hesitancy. This study examined predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, including HCWs’ distress after taking into account HCW sex, doctoral-level status, race, age, and exposure to COVID-19. Further, it examined specific reasons HCWs endorsed for their hesitancy. 266 HCWs in the United States (U.S.). completed an online survey administered in January 2021, following the availability of the vaccine for HCWs in the U.S. The survey assessed demographics, depression, anxiety, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and reasons for hesitancy. A comprehensive linear regression model explained 72.2% of the variance in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. HCWs were more hesitant if they did not know someone personally who had tested positive. Distress had no effect. The reasons most predicting vaccine hesitancy included safety, potential side effects, believing the risks from COVID-19 were lower than from the vaccine, not feeling at risk for getting COVID-19, and current pregnancy. Rather than rely on providing information about the COVID-19 vaccines to HCWs, strategies that address their concerns are required to promote vaccine acceptance. Contemporary issues of political polarization, misinformation and mistrust are likely to contribute to the concerns HCWs have about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Pharmacists’ attitudes toward influenza vaccination: does the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference?

“…Strategies tailored to specific populations and concerns, when combined with other interventions, such as incentives or reminders, are highly effective in addressing vaccine hesitancy. 36 , 37 Vaccination mandates have proven to be the most impactful intervention for increasing SIV among HCWs. 38 In Switzerland, unlike some countries, there are no mandatory vaccines, and many HCWs are opposed to mandatory vaccination.…”

Annual COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Acceptance among Healthcare workers: the role of Anti-Vaccination Attitudes and Burnout

“…Even though EE was present in one-third of the sample and high DP and low PA were present in approximately half of the sample, these factors were not signi cantly associated with acceptance of annual COVID-19 booster vaccination. A survey conducted in the United States also revealed that stress has no effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy [43]. Bivariate analysis revealed that those who reported higher burnout levels for the three subscales were more likely to be hesitant to receive an annual booster, though this was not statistically signi cant.…”

Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in South Africa

“…Most research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWs has been conducted in high-income countries [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Studies in Africa, many of which were undertaken prior to the availability of vaccines, revealed mixed responses to the impending availability of vaccines.…”