COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours among health and social care workers in the UK: A mixed-methods study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260949
• Publication Date: 2022-01-24T18:36:44Z
• Authors: Sadie Bell; Richard M. Clarke; Sharif A. Ismail; Oyinkansola Ojo-A...; Habib Naqvi; Yvonne Coghill; Helen Donovan; Louise Letley; Pauline Paterson; Sandra Mounier-Jack
• Keywords: Distrust; Cross-sectional study

The UK began delivering its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 December 2020, with health and social care workers (H&SCWs) given high priority for vaccination. Despite well-documented occupational exposure risks, however, there is evidence of lower uptake among some H&SCW groups.We used a mixed-methods approach-involving an online cross-sectional survey semi-structured interviews-to gain insight into beliefs, attitudes, behaviours amongst H&SCWs in the by socio-demographic employment variables. 1917 people were surveyed- 1656 healthcare (HCWs) 261 (SCWs). Twenty participants interviewed.Workplace factors contributed to access uptake. SCWs more likely not be offered than HCWs (OR:1.453, 95%CI: 1.244-1.696). specifically reported uncertainties around how Participants who indicated stronger agreement statement 'I would recommend my organisation as place work' have been (OR:1.285, 1.056-1.563). Those agreed strongly feel/felt under pressure from employer get vaccine' declined (OR:1.751, 1.271-2.413). Interviewees that experienced vaccinated felt this exacerbated their vaccine concerns increased distrust. In comparison White British Irish participants, Black African Mixed (OR:2.011, 1.026-3.943) (OR:5.550, 2.294-13.428). Reasons declining included distrust vaccination, providers, policymakers.H&SCW employers are pivotal position facilitate access, ensuring staff aware promoting workplace environment which decisions informed voluntary.