Utilization of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among healthcare workers in Minia Governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Public Health and Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of getting COVID-19 from their patients. Yet not all HCWs get the required vaccination. The aim of the study is to assess the rate of vaccination among HCWs and to identify the factors affecting the vaccination unitilzation. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital setting from January 2022 to April 2022 among HCWs (124 males and 176 females) working in El-Edwa Central Hospital. A validated as well as structured self-administered survey including elements to assess the utilization of COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs. Results: A total 300 HCWs were included in the current analysis. The mean age was 34.7±9.7 years and 59% were females. Approximately 264 participants (88%) received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and approximately 91% of the vaccinated participants completed the immunization course. AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines were the most taken among HCWs (23% and 21%, respectively). Reports of widespread weakness or fatigue were the most common generalized symptoms. Independent predictors of lack of vaccination included worrying about vaccine safety (OR=7.50, 95% CI. 2.67-21.07; p<0.0001) and disagreement regarding the vaccine's ability to give full protection against COVID-19 infection (OR= 4.99, 95% CI 1.866-.13.343; p=0.001). Conclusions: In general, there was a high rate of COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs at El-Edwa Central Hospital. Considering the vaccine is unsafe and doesn't give full protection against COVID-19 infection were the predictors of lack of vaccination among the study group. The findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness of HCWs.

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