Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals: factors associated with continuity of the COVID-19 vaccination schedule

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze factors associated with healthcare professionals’ decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination schedule continuation. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 221 healthcare professionals working in public healthcare services in a regional hub municipality in Minas Gerais. A questionnaire was used with questions about sociodemographic factors, vaccination status, and the determinants of confidence, convenience, and compliance. The response variable was the number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive data analysis and logistic regression were performed. Results: it was identified that 21.5% of healthcare professionals hesitated to continue the COVID-19 vaccination schedule, with the sex (p=0.037; OR=2.163) and confidence in vaccine safety (p=0.003; OR=0.317) variables being associated with this vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: there are professionals hesitant to continue being vaccinated against COVID-19. Interventions that strengthen confidence in vaccines and adopt continuous education strategies are essential.