Barriers and enhancers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs). Understanding their vaccine uptake and perceptions is vital to promote acceptance.

AIM: This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine uptake, associated factors and HCW willingness to recommend vaccination in Zimbabwe.

SETTING

The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey involving 200 HCWs in seven central healthcare facilities from May 2023 to June 2023.

METHODS

Data on demographics, vaccination status, knowledge, attitudes and trust in information sources were collected. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression identified factors associated with vaccine uptake.

RESULTS

Of the respondents (female: 68%, median age [interquartile range {IQR}: 34]; [28-43] years), 94% (188/200) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 49.5%, 41% and 3.5% having been fully vaccinated, received a booster and partially vaccinated, respectively. Also, 74% of the HCWs would recommend the COVID-19 vaccines to their patients. Out of the total, 15% of HCWs identified that vaccine safety was their major barrier to getting vaccinated. The vaccination rate among nurses and midwives was 9.6% (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.904; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.833, 0.981) lower when compared to physicians. The study also identified that the booster vaccination rate was higher in older HCWs (PR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03).

CONCLUSION

High COVID-19 vaccine uptake was observed among HCWs in Zimbabwe. However, concerns about vaccine safety persist. Targeted interventions addressing these concerns are needed to maximise vaccine acceptance in this key population.

CONTRIBUTION: This study reveals specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in Zimbabwe.