Perception of Health Care Personnel in Ain Shams University Hospitals toward COVID-19 Vaccine and the Intention for Vaccination

Abstract

Background Vaccination has significantly decreased the burden of infectious diseases. Its role in disease control has been well recognized, countries prioritize vaccinating health care personnel against COVID-19 because of their susceptibility to the virus. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to reach that aim. Objective This study aimed to assess the perception of health care personnel (HCP) in Ain Shams University hospitals toward COVID-19 vaccine, intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at Ain Shams University hospitals from the first of April 2021 till end of August 2021. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire designed to cover topics wanted to be addressed in the study. Results Out of 337 health care personnel, 256(76.0%) of them had a positive attitude with the vaccination. Regarding the intention to receive the available COVID-19 vaccine, 228(67.7%) of health care personnel intended to receive the vaccine, 59(17.5%) do not intend to receive it while 50(14.8%) were unsure “hesitant”. Among 228 who intended to receive the available vaccine 136(59.6%) were physicians, 57(25.0%) were nurses, 35 (15.4%) were workers. Conclusion A high proportion of health care personnel declared their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and hence, this will play a leading role in combating the pandemic.