Are the COVID Warriors Confident about COVID Vaccine? A Survey among the Healthcare Workers of West Bengal to Explore their Perception about COVID-19 Vaccine and causes of Vaccine Hesitancy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Deaths of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 infection were reported from various parts of West Bengal months after rolling out of Vaccines for them. Empirical data suggested that those HCWs who died due to COVID- 19 were either not vaccinated or partially vaccinated. which points to Vaccine hesitancy among them. Objectives: (1) To study the perception of HCWs of West Bengal about COVID-19 Vaccine. (2) To determine the level of vaccine hesitancy and its causes among the study population. Methods: A cross sectional exploratory survey was conducted on 400 HCWs. A prevalidated questionnaire was administered which contained questions on profile of the study population, perception about COVID-19 Vaccine, Vaccine hesitancy. Results: 70% of the study population were nurses and only 13% were trained in COVID-19 Vaccination. 44% chose Mask as the most effective strategy to prevent COVID infection followed by Vaccination (36%), social distancing and sanitization. 37% HCWss were hesitant to take Vaccine when offered. Causes of Vaccine hesitancy as admitted by the study population - doubts about Vaccine effectiveness (56%), concern about side effects (30%), difficulty in availability of Vaccine (9%) and confusion about Vaccination strategy (5%). Conclusion: Vaccine confidence among HCWs can inspire the general public for a better coverage of Vaccine among all. The findings of this study will help the program managers to effectively plan strategies to enhance risk perception and Vaccine confidence among General Public.