Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination by Doctors: Cross-Sectional Survey from Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech

Abstract

Covid-19 has rapidly became a major public health crisis. Several public health and containment measures were deployed to contain this epidemy; however, a return to a normal life could only be expected after the generalization of anti-Covid 19 vaccination, allowing a global collective immunity. The success of this campaign depends essentially on the acceptance of the new Covid-19 vaccines. We conducted a descriptive and analytical observational cross-sectional study to evaluate the acceptability of Covid-19 vaccines, among resident and intern doctors at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, to determine the factors associated with vaccine acceptance, and the reasons for hesitation or nonacceptance of vaccination. Out of 145 participants (59.1% female, mean age 26.6 years), 89.7% received the vaccine at least partially. 49% of our population did not delay their vaccination and intended to complete it, so we considered them accepting. However, 40.7% were considered hesitant because of delayed or abandoned Covid-19 vaccination. People living alone and resident physicians in medical or biological specialties were the most likely to accept vaccination. Factors influencing refusal or hesitation included: speed of vaccine development, fear of adverse effects, lack of information on vaccine efficacy, acquisition of natural immunity following previous infection with Covid-19, lack of confidence in the pharmaceutical industry. Doctors' general attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, in our study, are positive, but specific concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine are widespread. Addressing barriers to vaccination in these groups will be essential to avoid exacerbating the health inequalities highlighted by this pandemic.