Evaluation of Israeli healthcare workers knowledge and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine

Zaitoon, Hussein; Sharkansky, Livnat; Ganaim, Loai; Chistyakov, Irina; Srugo, Isaac; Bamberger, Ellen

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered an important target group for the COVID-19 vaccines. The current study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of Israeli HCWs regarding COVID-19 immunization, and how various occupational and demographic factors may underlie COVID-related knowledge and attitudes differences. METHODS: Following a pre-test to validate measures, a cross-sectional online anonymous survey was distributed to HCWs using a snowball sampling method. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 714 participants (mean age 39.9; range 18-74; 447 female), 52% doctors, 32% nurses, and the remainder by paramedical staff. Of the respondents, 553 (77.4%) answered the question are you in favor of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, 105 (14.7%) were not sure, and 56 (7.8%) were not in favor. Doctors had higher odds of agreement as compared to both nurses (p < .025) and paramedical staff (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age (OR: 1.075; 95% CI: 1.04-1.11, p < .001), profession (physician vs. nurse; OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.32-5.65; p < .007), and getting the current influenza vaccine (OR: 4.96; 95% CI: 2.47-9.95) were significant predictors of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of HCWs knowledge and in favor attitudes were observed. Yet negative attitudes were also noted, particularly among nurses, paramedical staff, and young employees.