{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Vaccination willingness, vaccine hesitancy, and estimated coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among healthcare workers in Tanzania: A call for action.
{Author}: Kessy SJ;Wei T;Zhou Y;Zhang WX;Alwy Al-Beity FM;Zhang SS;Du J;Cui F;Lu QB;
{Journal}: Immun Inflamm Dis
{Volume}: 11
{Issue}: 12
{Year}: 2023 Dec
{Factor}: 2.493
{DOI}: 10.1002/iid3.1126
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>To increase vaccine acceptance among HCWs and the general population, targeted messaging is needed to deliver transparent information on vaccine safety, efficacy, and development.