Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in Greece

Background: The role of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the general public health is crucial and their decision to vaccinate against the COVID-19 can have a positive impact on the general population facilitating widespread COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Objective: To estimate the uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine in HCWs and to expand our knowledge regarding the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: An on-line cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece during August 2021. We collected socio-demographic data of HCWs and we measured attitudes towards vaccination and COVID-19, knowledge and trust. We used a convenience sample since we distributed the questionnaire through social media and e-mails. Results: Study population included 855 HCWs. The majority of HCWs were vaccinated against the COVID-19 (91.5%). According to multivariate analysis, females, HCWs without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and HCWs with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, increased self-perceived knowledge regarding COVID-19 and increased trust in COVID-19 vaccines and government regarding the information about the COVID-19 vaccines were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, HCWs with more concerns about the side-effects of COVID-19 vaccination were more reluctant to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: Our study provides a timely assessment of COVID-19 vaccination status among HCWs and identifies specific factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. By understanding these factors, policy makers and scientists will be able to develop novel strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs.