COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy opinions from frontline health care and social care workers: Survey data from 37 countries

Background and aims: Vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing major challenge. We aimed to assess the uptake and hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A short online survey was posted between April 12 to July 31, 2021 targeted at health and social care workers (HCWs) across the globe. Results: 275 from 37 countries responded. Most were hospital or primary care physicians or nurses, 59% women, aged 18-60 years, and 21% had chronic conditions with most prevalent being diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. We found that most HCWs (93%) had taken or willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While 7% were vaccine hesitant (mainly women aged 30-39 years), respondents main concerns was the safety or potential side effects. Vaccine willing respondents raised concerns of unequal access to the COVID-19 vaccination in some countries, and highlighted that the only solution to overcoming COVID-19 infections was the vaccine booster doses given annually and free mass vaccination. Conclusions: This study found that the majority of the frontline HCWs are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Further promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine would reassure and persuade HCWs to become vaccinated. (c) 2021 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the uptake and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among health and social care workers globally. The majority were willing to receive the vaccine, with concerns mainly focused on safety and side effects. Those willing to receive the vaccine also raised issues of unequal access and the need for booster doses.