Impact of COVID-19 vaccine-associated side effects on health care worker absenteeism and future booster vaccination. Issue 23 (20th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chrissian, Ara A.; Oyoyo, Udochukwu E.; Patel, Pranjal; Lawrence Beeson, W.; Loo, Lawrence K.; Tavakoli, Shahriyar; Dubov, Alex
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 40:Issue 23(2022)
• Page Start: 3174
• Page End: 3181
• Publication Date: 2022-05-20
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Vaccine -- Side-effects -- Healthcare worker -- Absenteeism -- Hesitancy -- Booster; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Symptoms due to COVID-19 vaccines may disrupt health worker duties. Symptoms due to COVID-19 vaccines may lead to health worker absenteeism. Likelihood for absenteeism depends on vaccine type and occupation. Symptoms due to COVID-19 vaccines may lead to reluctance toward booster shots. Health employers should consider these factors when vaccinating their workforce. Abstract: Background: Short-term side effects related to mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are frequent and bothersome, with the potential to disrupt work duties and impact future vaccine decision-making. Objective: To identify factors more likely to lead to vaccine-associated work disruption, employee absenteeism, and future vaccine reluctance among healthcare workers (HCWs). Hypothesis: Side effects related to COVID vaccination: 1- frequently disrupt HCW duties, 2- result in a significant proportion of HCW absenteeism, 3- contribute to uncertainty about future booster vaccination, 4- vary based on certain demographic, socioeconomic, occupational, and vaccine-related factors. Methods: Using an anonymous, voluntary electronic survey, we obtained responses from a large, heterogeneous sample of COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs in two healthcare systems in Southern California. Descriptive statistics and regression models were utilized to evaluate the research questions. Results: Among 2, 103 vaccinated HCWs, 579 (27.5%) reported that vaccine-related symptoms disrupted their professional responsibilities, and 380 (18.1%) missed work as a result. Independent predictors for absenteeism included experiencing generalized and work-disruptive symptoms, and receiving the Moderna vaccine [OR = 1.77 (95% CI = 1.33 – 2.36), p < 0.001]. Physicians were less likely to miss work due to side effects (6.7% vs 21.2% for all other HCWs, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of reluctance toward future booster vaccination included lower education level, younger age, having received the Moderna vaccine, and missing work due to vaccine-related symptoms. Conclusion: Symptoms related to mRNA vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 may frequently disrupt work duties, lead to absenteeism, and impact future vaccine decision-making. This may be more common in Moderna recipients and less likely among physicians. Accordingly, health employers should schedule future booster vaccination cycles to minimize loss of work productivity.