Awareness, perception, and acceptance of coronavirus vaccines by health-care workers approved for restricted emergency use in India

Abstract

Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) have been designated as the highest priority group to receive the coronavirus (CoV) vaccine. The study aimed to assess the awareness and perception about the CoV vaccine and the factors associated with the acceptance or rejection of vaccines among HCWs in India. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method was conducted between January 5 and January 14, 2021, just before the initiation of CoV vaccination among HCWs in India. Questions to assess awareness and perception were developed based on the information available on the public health websites. HCWs' willingness to accept the vaccines was also studied along with the factors associated with acceptance or rejection of CoV vaccination. Results: The study received responses from 496 HCWs. Awareness about the CoV vaccine was low, with a mean score of 5.44 (standard deviation = 2.91). Willingness to accept CoV vaccination was found in 63.51% of HCWs with the main reason to protect their family and colleagues (43.73%). The majority of HCWs agreed with the emergency authorization of CoV vaccines (65.93%) and agreed that vaccines will break the chain of transmission of infection (65.73%). Perception of vaccine effectiveness (odds ratio [OR] = 8.52, P = 0.000) and higher awareness (OR = 2.86, P = 0.000) were significantly associated with willingness to accept CoV vaccination. Conclusion: HCWs have the responsibility to disseminate correct information and risks about vaccinations among the public. Health authorities should continue encouraging the increase of the knowledge and awareness of the utility of vaccines among HCWs. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Professionalism, Patient care and procedural skills, and Systems-based practice.