Acceptability of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination among Indian health‑care professionals: A cross‑sectional survey

Abstract

 

Objective: The epidemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has led to the development of several vaccine candidates which has been progressing at an unprecedented rate. Health‑care professionals are somewhere standing between their professional commitments and personal well‑being, amid concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The present survey was conducted to analyze their approach toward vaccination. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire‑based cross‑sectional survey was conducted among 250 health‑care professionals comprised of Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, Physiotherapy doctors, and nursing staff working at a tertiary care hospital in Gurugram city. A self‑administered 10‑item questionnaire in the Google document format was developed to assess their perception and attitude toward vaccination. The present survey was carried out for 2 months from November to December 2020. The responses recorded were subjected to the statistical analysis using the Chi‑square test and the level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Among all participants, 72 (28.8%) were male and 178 (72.2%) were female. Of all, 60.4% of the health‑care professionals somewhat or completely agreed to accept a vaccine as soon as it is available. Nursing staff reported more likely to accept COVID‑19 vaccination than the other health‑care professionals. Majority of the HPs (44%) were found to be concerned about the rapidity in the development of vaccine. Conclusion: The overall attitude toward vaccination was positive but specific concerns regarding COVID‑19 vaccine are prevalent. Thus, to maintain the benefits of vaccination programs and for its successful implementation, understanding and addressing their vaccine hesitancy will be crucial.

 

Keywords: Acceptability, Coronavirus disease 2019, Health‑care professionals, Vaccine