AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF PRACTICE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE: A SURVEY BASED ANALYSIS.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for the healthcare profession. Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is considered as the only way to signicantly reduce the threat of this pandemic in view of no proper treatment available against COVID-19 till date. However, the success of COVID-19 vaccination in India is dependent upon the acceptance of vaccine among general population, besides the proven safety and efcacy of the Indian COVID-19 vaccines (Co vishield and Co vaxin). In view of that, we conducted an online survey among the rst to be vaccinated priority group (healthcare workers) in India who are at high risk of exposure, with the aim to assess the beliefs and experiences related to Indian COVID-19 vaccines and to project that upon the general population of India. Method: This cross sectional study was conducted using a validated self administered online questionnaire that was distributed through emails, online social networking platforms (online survey) and also printed form of questionnaire in both English and Hindi languages (paper survey). The participants of the study were informed about the objectives of the study and after obtaining an informed consent, they completed the questionnaire on their background and vaccinationbehaviour related variables (including past vaccine compliance, risk factors for severe COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions and experience). Results: Our study included 750 healthcare workers (HCW) of which 415 were doctors, 286 were medical students and 49 were paramedical staff, Of the total number of participants, n=617 (82.3%) have received the COVID-19 vaccine. 75.6% of the study population (n=504) were not hesitant for getting vaccination against COVID-19. Majority of the HCWs believed in the safety and efcacy of COVID-19 vaccine and wanted their family members to get vaccinated. Conclusions: Our study concludes that Health Care Workers show acceptance and condence in the vaccination programme against Covid 19. This can contribute to general population compliance and willingness to accept Covid 19 vaccine.