The association between vaccination confidence, vaccination behavior, and willingness to recommend vaccines among Finnish healthcare workers

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224330
• Publication Date: 2019-10-31T18:49:12Z
• Authors: Linda Cecilia Kar...; Stephan Lewandowsky; Jan Antfolk; Paula Salo; Mikael Lindfelt; Tuula Oksanen; Mika Kivimäki; Anna Soveri
• Keywords: Low Confidence

Information and assurance from healthcare workers (HCWs) is reported by laypeople as a key factor in their decision to get vaccinated. However, previous research has shown that, the general population, hesitancy towards vaccines exists among HCWs well. Previous studies further suggest that with higher confidence vaccinations vaccine providers are more willing take themselves recommend patients. In present study 2962 Finnish (doctors, head nurses, practical nurses), we explored associations between HCWs' vaccination (perceived benefit safety of trust health professionals), decisions accept for children, willingness The results showed although majority had high vaccinations, notable share low confidence. Moreover, line research, benefits were likely children themselves, Trust other professionals was not directly related or recommendation behavior. Confidence highest doctors, increased along educational level HCWs, suggesting link degree medical training. Ensuring may be important maintaining uptake population.