Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine Among Hospital Employees in the Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics in the University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Background and AimsCOVID-19 vaccination has been in the spotlight for almost a year now, both within the scientific community and in the general population. The issue of healthcare workers' (HCWs) hesitancy is particularly salient, given that they are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Not only could unvaccinated HCW spread the disease, but HCWs are also critical messengers in building confidence towards COVID-19 vaccines. The goal of this study was to examine the perception of COVID-19 risk and of its vaccine acceptance among employees (i.e., HCW plus administrative staff) in the Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospitals of Geneva, for the purpose of drawing lessons on the determinants of vaccination morale.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous online survey comparing vaccination attitudes among vaccinated and unvaccinated workers in June 2021. It included questions on perception of COVID-19 risks and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccination was not mandatory in our institution but was strongly recommended.ResultsIn June 2021, 66% of the 1,800 employees of our department had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine by the time of the survey. Among the employees, 776 participated (43%) to the survey, and among them 684 (88%) had chosen to be vaccinated. Participants working for longer in a hospital, with a chronic disease and a household contact with chronic disease were more likely to be vaccinated. Doctors were twice as likely to be vaccinated than nurses. Among unvaccinated hospital employees, 48 (52%) responded that they would not change their mind. Further, 35 (38%) were not feeling in danger of contracting severe COVID-19, and 32 (35%) had fears about possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines that they wanted to discuss with a specialist.ConclusionOur study indicates that, while two-third of the employees had been vaccinated, quite many were still hesitant. The unvaccinated explained their choice by not feeling at risk of complicated COVID-19, and because of fear of possible side effects associated with the vaccine. Investments in COVID-19 vaccine education is a critical component for increasing vaccine acceptance among the unvaccinated.

Confidence in a Vaccine against COVID-19 among Registered Nurses in Barcelona, Spain across Two Time Periods

“…This finding is consistent with what has been reported in different countries [26], where hesitant HCWs have been described as having a consistently low severity perception, albeit being one higher than the general population [27]. Moreover, those who thought that a COVID-19 infection could be extremely severe in adults were 12.5 times more likely to have been vaccinated [28]. The expansion of vaccination and greater knowledge about patient management could have an impact on this perception globally, as French HCW have also been reported to exhibit a decrease in perception severity over time [29].…”

The impact of COVID-19 on hospital-based workers influenza vaccination uptake: A two-year retrospective cohort study

“…Professional responsibility and physicians' role in vaccinations are strong predictors of immunization behavior. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 Nurses and healthcare assistants were the professionals with the lowest vaccination uptake in both seasons even though they are on the front line in caring for patients. 34 This hesitancy may be due to poor knowledge about vaccines and vaccination.…”

“…Furthermore, the need to return to normality was also a reason for greater adherence to vaccination. 33 …”

“…35 Education of nurses and healthcare assistants may benefit from the introduction of specific curricula on vaccines and vaccination, which are also currently lacking in several developed countries. 33 , 35 , 36 When HBWs are aware of the benefits of vaccines and set a good example, patients are also more likely to receive vaccination. 33 , 36 According to the WHO vaccine advisory group 35 HBWs have a central role in building public confidence on vaccines.…”

Attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers: a cross sectional study from Egypt

“…In certain studies, a lower vaccination rate was noted [ 19 ]. However, some research indicated a far greater rate [ 45 , 46 ]. Astrzeneca (53.1%) and Sinopharm (20.7%) were the two most frequently received vaccines in our cohort.…”