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COVID-19 Vaccinations in EMS Professionals: Prevalence and Predictors.
Gregory, Megan E; Powell, Jonathan R; MacEwan, Sarah R; Kurth, Jordan D; Kenah, Eben; Panchal, Ashish R; McAlearney, Ann Scheck.
  • Gregory ME; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • Powell JR; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • MacEwan SR; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • Kurth JD; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • Kenah E; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • Panchal AR; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
  • McAlearney AS; Received August 24, 2021; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (MEG, ASM); The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Med
Prehosp Emerg Care ; 26(5): 632-640, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1467242
ABSTRACT

Background:

Immunizations for emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during pandemics are an important tool to increase the safety of the workforce as well as their patients. The purpose of this study was to better understand EMS professionals' decisions to receive or decline a COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally certified EMS professionals (18-85 years) in April 2021. Participants received an electronic survey asking whether they received a vaccine, why or why not, and their associated beliefs using three validated scales perceived risk of COVID-19, medical mistrust, and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. Data were merged with National Registry dataset demographics. Analyses included descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression (OR, 95% CI). Multivariate imputation by chained equations was used for missingness.

Results:

A total of 2,584 respondents satisfied inclusion criteria (response rate = 14%). Overall, 70% of EMS professionals were vaccinated. Common reasons for vaccination among vaccinated respondents were to protect oneself (76%) and others (73%). Common reasons for non-vaccination among non-vaccinated respondents included concerns about vaccine safety (53%) and beliefs that vaccination was not necessary (39%). Most who had not received the vaccine did not plan to get it in the future (84%). Hesitation was most frequently related to wanting to see how the vaccine was working for others (55%). Odds of COVID-19 vaccination were associated with demographics including age (referent <28 years; 39-50 years 1.56, 1.17-2.08; >51 years 2.22, 1.64-3.01), male sex (1.26, 1.01-1.58), residing in an urban/suburban area (referent rural; 1.36, 1.08-1.70), advanced education (referent GED/high school and below; bachelor's and above 1.72, 1.19-2.47), and working at a hospital (referent fire-based agency; 1.53, 1.04-2.24). Additionally, vaccination odds were significantly higher with greater perceived risk of COVID-19 (2.05, 1.68-2.50), and higher vaccine confidence (2.84, 2.40-3.36). Odds of vaccination were significantly lower with higher medical mistrust (0.54, 0.46-0.63).

Conclusion:

Despite vaccine availability, not all EMS professionals had been vaccinated. The decision to receive a COVID-19 vaccine was associated with demographics, beliefs regarding COVID-19 and the vaccine, and medical mistrust. Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates should emphasize the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Vaccines / Emergency Medical Services / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adult / Humans / Male Language: English Journal: Prehosp Emerg Care Journal subject: Emergency Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Vaccines / Emergency Medical Services / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adult / Humans / Male Language: English Journal: Prehosp Emerg Care Journal subject: Emergency Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article