COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care workers amidst ongoing pandemic

Abstract

Background: Beyond the current pandemic of COVID-19 disease, development and subsequently global access of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is vital. However, concern about vaccine hesitancy (delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination services) is a growing issue. With limited literature, this study aims to explore vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 disease among health care workers.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey on heath care workers of medical college, Agra from 1 to 15 January 2021. Survey consisted of questions on demographic background, health status, and willingness for vaccination, reasons for unwillingness and items related to information about COVID-19 vaccination.Results: The study received responses from 400 health care workers. In present study, 233 (58.25%) responded that they are very likely to get COVID-19 vaccine (vaccine acceptance). 33.50% of HCWs were uncertain about being vaccinated (vaccine hesitant) and 8.25% HCWs reported that they are very unlikely to get vaccinated (vaccine resistant). Females were less willing for vaccination and significant gender wise difference was found. Majority of participants cited side effects (56%) and fast moving clinical trials (45%) as reasons for not going for vaccination. In context of COVID appropriate behavior, 93%, 77% and 70% responded that they will wear mask, practice social distancing and avoid social gatherings respectively even after vaccination.Conclusions: Our study finds that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in HCWs is 41.75%. Governments, public health officials and advocacy groups must be prepared to address hesitancy and build vaccine literacy so that the public will accept vaccine.