Factors associated with healthcare personnel uptake of updated COVID-19 vaccine doses in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate factors associated with United States (US) healthcare personnel (HCP) uptake of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 887 US HCP enrolled between September 25, 2023, and April 17, 2024, in a multisite case-control COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study. Sociodemographic and attitudinal data were collected via standardized surveys, and vaccination status was verified using source documentation.

RESULTS

Overall, 188 (21.2 %) HCP received the updated vaccine. HCP aged 50-64 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02, 95 % CI: 1.11-3.67) versus ages 18-29, and HCP with undergraduate (aOR 3.75, 95 % CI: 1.97-7.12) or graduate degrees (aOR 7.73, 95 % CI: 4.10-14.55) versus high school/some college had higher odds of vaccination. Nurses and nurse assistants had lower odds (aOR 0.48, 95 % CI: 0.30-0.76) versus other job roles. Vaccinated HCP were more likely than unvaccinated HCP to cite concerns about personal infection (89.9 % vs. 44.6 %), infecting family/friends (96.3 % vs. 56.0 %), vaccine availability (63.3 % vs. 18.9 %), and peer-reviewed literature (56.4 % vs. 28.3 %) as important influences. These factors remained consistent with findings from a prior vaccine season.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccine access, education, and peer-reviewed information remain drivers of HCP vaccine uptake. Strategies should address occupational disparities and emphasize transmission risks.