Intention to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine by U.S. Health Sciences University Employees

Abstract

Objectives: Understanding vaccine intentions and attitudes of health professionals is critical as the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID19 vaccines are being administered throughout the United States. This study estimates the level of vaccine hesitancy at a health sciences center in West Texas prior to the distribution of the vaccines. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed via anonymous Qualtrics survey administered to approximately 4500 faculty, staff, postdoctoral research associates/medical residents, and employees at a multi-campus health sciences university in the United States. Respondents were asked demographic questions and intention to receive the vaccine. Factors associated with the intention to receive a vaccine were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total sample of 2258 subjects were evaluated (50.0% response rate). Among all respondents, 64.6% reported that they would probably or definitely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Men had higher levels of intention to receive the vaccine (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.64-2.71); respondents who indicated yearly influenza vaccines are necessary were also more likely to receive the vaccine (OR = 6.04, 95% CI 4.70-7.75). Eighty-three percent of faculty and 56% of the staff reported intention to receive the vaccine. Respondents who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 reported more interest in receiving the vaccine (58.5% yes vs 41.5% no). Conclusion: In this study, the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at a United States health sciences center falls below the necessary herd immunity estimates. Public health initiatives must be developed to decrease vaccine hesitancy, especially among health professionals.

COVID-19 Vaccination Attitude and Behavior among Nurses at a West Texas Regional Hospital

“…Prior surveys of medical students, residents, faculty, and staff at this Health Sciences Center provide additional information about regional attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 infection. A survey was distributed to all Health Science Center employees in December 2020 before vaccines were available at this site [ 20 ]. In total, 2338 employees (51.8%) out of 4512 employees responded to this survey; 46% of the respondents indicated they definitely would receive a vaccine, 18% indicated they probably would receive a vaccine, 18% were uncertain, 7% indicated that they probably would not receive a vaccine, and 10% indicated that they would definitely not receive a vaccine.…”

Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Dental Care Workers in Vietnam: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In an online survey in February among 529 dentists in Lebanon, 86% reported that they were willing to receive or already received a COVID-19 vaccine [ 41 ]. Only about 21% of Egyptian HCWs accepted to be COVID-19 vaccinated [ 42 ]; in a survey in the United States, only 64.6% of medical professionals accepted the COVID-19 vaccine [ 43 ]. Immunization against COVID-19 protects against a deadly disease and also helps to create the herd immunity needed to control this pandemic [ 44 ].…”

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among dental care workers in Vietnam: an online cross-sectional survey

“…In an Italian study, 18% of dentists opposed vaccination [40]. Only about 21% of Egyptian HCWs accepted to be COVID-19 vaccinated [41], In a survey in the United States, only 64.6% of medical professionals accepted the COVID-19 vaccine [42]. Immunization against COVID-19 protects against a deadly disease and also helps to create the herd immunity needed to control this pandemic [43].…”