Factors Encouraging A Change of Health Care Workers Attitudes Who Are Hesitant or Opposed to Receiving A Vaccine Against the COVID 19 Virus and Increasing Vaccination Rate
Abstract
Ilana Kan
Background: Although vaccines were found to be effective in preventing and reducing morbidity, the last two decades saw a steep increase in anti-vaccination and vaccine hesitancy [1]. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak as pandemic with global economic, political, vocational, and social ramifications. COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and effective in reducing morbidity rates. Nevertheless, according to the ministry of health only 59% of the Israeli population is vaccinated against COVID-19 [2]. In 2016 the WHO defined vaccine hesitancy as the “reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines”. Vaccine hesitancy curtails the ability of health services to safely and effectively prevent morbidity and to preserve public health [11]. Results from surveys show that there is little variation in the factors affecting vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers (HCWs) across countries [7]. From December 2020 to March 2021 hospital workers were given the opportunity to vaccinate in the workplace instead of vaccinating through their HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations). To date, most workers had already vaccinated and only 150 remained unvaccinated. 93 (1.6%) of them refuse to vaccinate although they have no medical conditions that preclude vaccination. 190 (3.2%) out of the vaccinated group have done so from April to July 2021 and we shall refer to them as “vaccine hesitants”. The aim of this survey was to determine the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy and refusal in hospital personnel, in order to better plan interventions. The data was collected by performing a cross-sectional study using anonymous online surveys. After processing and analyzing the data, we are planned future intervention.
Methods: The data had been collected using a cross-sectional study by administering an online anonymous questionnaire. After evaluation of the data, an intervention is planned to be developed.
Results: The survey was answered by 42 staff members. From them, 22 (52.4%) were late to receive the vaccine, while 20 (47.6%) refused it. No differences were found between the two groups in background variables. There were no significant differences between the two groups in positions regarding the coronavirus. The question with the highest average was related to the belief that “COVID is like a normal flu. There were no significant differences in COVID-19 knowledge sources between the hesitant group and the anti-vaccinationist group. The most prominent knowledge sources were the government and the ministry of health, doctors, information from the press or the hospital, and information from social media. Significant differences were found between the two groups in the feeling that they have sufficient information in selected topics concerning the coronavirus The response averages were higher among the hesitant group than among the anti-vaccinationist group in relation to knowledge about the severity of the disease and side effects of the vaccine.There were no significant differences between the two groups in the motivations for their refusal to vaccinate. The most common motive in both groups was that “I don’t need the vaccine” or that “I am not at risk from the disease”. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the motives for their eventual vaccination. The most common reason for vaccination in both groups was “pressures from my superiors at work”.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that HCWs who are directly involved in treating COVID patients are more likely to vaccinate. We therefore opine that more emphasis should be placed on other sectors of HCWs, such as administration, para-medical professions, and more. It is imperative to understand what are the motivations and characteristics of each sector, and perform appropriate adaptations in propaganda materials according to the sector’s specific needs. We predict that the continuation of experiments showing the effectiveness of the vaccine will increase vaccination rates. A combination of different strategies, such as educational campaigns, the publication of studies, and relevant instruction will increase vaccination rates in hesitants.