Uptake of Coronavirus Disease-2019 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in A Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been developed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. In addition, they also have a powerful influence on patient vaccination decisions. Earlier surveys had reported the willingness of HCWs to receive the vaccine; however, the actual uptake of the vaccine has rarely been reported. This study aimed at determining the actual uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: The study was a cross sectional descriptive study that analyzed the data generated by the vaccination team that was mandated to administer the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine to the HCWs at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). Results: Out of 1718 HCWs, 387(22.5%) received the vaccine, 63.8% of whom were males. Vaccine uptake was highest among pharmacists (52.9%) and doctors (42.4); while uptake was lowest among the laboratory scientist (9.6 %) and the cleaners (9.8%). Vaccine uptake was higher among those with higher educational attainment compared to those with lower educational attainment. Conclusions: The actual uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs in Nigeria may be much lower than the potential uptake as reported in earlier surveys. The expression of willingness to take COVID-19 vaccine may be different from the actual acceptance of the vaccine. To understand the true magnitude of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in Nigeria, we recommend that the actual uptake of the vaccine be evaluated.