Vaccination willingness, vaccine hesitancy, and estimated coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among healthcare workers in Tanzania: A call for action.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The global COVID‐19 pandemic presented an immense obstacle to public health, with vaccination emerging as a crucial measure to curb transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the willingness, hesitancy, and coverage of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Tanzania and reveal their concerns about SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines and the reasons that might prevent them from getting vaccinated. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study using an anonymous online survey from October to November 2022. The multivariate logistic regression model explored the factors associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine willingness, hesitancy, and coverage. Results: The study included 560 HCWs, with the largest group being doctors (47.9%), followed by nurses (26.9%) and other HCWs (25.2%). A total of 70.5% of HCWs reported being vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2. The primary driver for SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination was collective responsibility. A total of 81.4% of HCWs reported being willing to accept SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines, while 62.5% of HCWs reported vaccine hesitancy. HCWs with higher educational qualifications were likelier to take the vaccine, while the respondents aged 18–30 years had the highest SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination refusal (71.9%). We also investigated the role of HCWs as a source of information to promote COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. 79.4% of HCWs provided information and advice on SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. Conclusion: To increase vaccine acceptance among HCWs and the general population, targeted messaging is needed to deliver transparent information on vaccine safety.