# COVID-19 vaccine uptake and predictors of hesitancy among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire

## TL;DR

This study explores factors affecting vaccine uptake and hesitancy among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire, finding that older workers are more likely to be vaccinated.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into vaccine hesitancy and uptake among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on age-related trends and knowledge gaps.

## Key findings

- 73.3% of healthcare workers were vaccinated, with 42.1% showing vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to side effect concerns.
- Older healthcare workers (35–65 years) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated compared to younger ones (22–34 years).
- Only 46.3% of healthcare workers felt confident addressing patient questions about vaccines.

## Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy hinders COVID-19 control, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs).

This study examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among HCWs in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The study was conducted among healthcare workers in Abidjan, the capital city of Côte d’Ivoire.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023 in Abidjan. A total of 240 HCWs completed a questionnaire on vaccination attitudes, hesitancy factors and willingness to recommend vaccines. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) at a 95% confidence interval.

Among participants, 57.5% were female, with a median age of 40 years (IQR: 33–45). HCWs included physicians (26.7%), nurses/midwives (22.5%) and pharmaceutical staff (19.2%). They worked in teaching hospitals (23.3%), general hospitals (30.8%) and community hospitals (45.8%). Vaccine uptake was 73.3%, with 53.3% fully vaccinated and only 4.6% receiving a booster dose. However, 42.1% exhibited vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to concerns about side effects (52.2%). While 55.0% would recommend the vaccine, only 46.3% felt confident addressing patient questions. Age was positively correlated with vaccine uptake: HCWs aged 35–44 years, 45–54 years and 55–65 years were 1.60, 1.68 and 1.78, respectively times more likely to be vaccinated, respectively, compared to those aged 22–34 years.

Vaccine hesitancy (25%) and low booster uptake (4.6%) highlight the need for targeted education and pharmacovigilance. Strengthening HCWs vaccine knowledge and trust is essential for epidemic control.

This study underscores the importance of Ministry of Health-led interventions to improve HCWs vaccination rates in Africa.