Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Attitudes About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination After Emergency Use Authorization.

Abstract

BackgroundWe previously reported on COVID-19 vaccination intent among HCP before emergency use authorization. We found widespread hesitancy and a substantial proportion of HCP did not intend to vaccinate.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCP, including clinical and non-clinical staff, researchers, and trainees between February 21 and March 19, 2021. The survey evaluated vaccine attitudes, beliefs, intent and acceptance.ResultsOverall, 3,981 (87.7%) of respondents had already received a COVID-19 vaccine or planned to get vaccinated. There were significant differences in vaccine acceptance by gender, age, race, and hospital role. Males (93.7%) were more likely than females (89.8%) to report vaccine acceptance (p<0.001). Mean age was higher among those reporting vaccine acceptance (p<0.001). Physicians and scientists showed the highest acceptance rate (97.3%), while staff in ancillary services showed the lowest acceptance rate (79.9%). Unvaccinated respondents were more likely to be females, to have refused vaccines in the past due to reasons other than illness or allergy, to care for COVID-19 patients, or to rely on themselves when making vaccination decision. Vaccine acceptance was more than twice previous intent among Black respondents, an increase from 30.8% to 73.8%, and across all hospital roles with all >80% vaccine acceptance.ConclusionsThe majority of HCP were vaccinated, much higher than reporting intent before vaccine was available. However, many HCP—particularly ancillary services—are still hesitant. Feasible and effective interventions to address the hesitant, including individually-tailored education strategies are needed, or vaccine can be mandated.