Healthcare worker perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines: Implications for increasing vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers and patients. Issue 18 (20th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Christine M.; Searle, Kelly; Galván, Alma; Liebman, Amy K.; Mann, Erin M.; Kirsch, Jonathan D.; Stauffer, William M.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 40:Issue 18(2022)
• Page Start: 2612
• Page End: 2618
• Publication Date: 2022-04-20
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Vaccine -- Acceptance -- Healthcare worker -- Refugee -- Immigrant; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.03.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: 88% of healthcare workers were accepting of COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare workers who work with immigrant communities were more vaccine acceptant. Healthcare workers with a vaccine concern were more likely to report patients with concerns. Educational information was helpful for healthcare workers making a vaccine decision. A healthcare provider vaccine recommendation was considered helpful for patients making a vaccine decision. Abstract: Objective: To understand COVID-19 vaccine perspectives among healthcare workers serving diverse communities. Methods: A dual English/Spanish survey was distributed to healthcare workers in the United States from 3/12/2021–4/22/2021 by the Migrant Clinicians Network, Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center, and social media advertisement to general primary care workers. Results: 517 responses were at least 50% complete and included in the analysis. Among these, 88% (457/517) indicated vaccine acceptance. Factors associated with acceptance included not reporting any vaccine concerns, identifying as male, ≥65 years of age, being a physician or advanced practice provider, and interacting directly with patients from refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) communities. Participants identified educational information as most helpful for themselves when making a vaccine decision, but a healthcare provider's recommendation as most helpful for their patients. Conclusion: Healthcare workers, especially those serving RIM communities, are vaccine accepting. Tailoring vaccine-related information to healthcare workers may improve vaccine confidence for both themselves and patients who rely on them for information.