Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Willingness to Receive Vaccination among Health Workers in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to vaccine uptake, and the achievement of herd immunity is required to reduce morbidity and mortality and protect the most vulnerable populations. In Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been high, and uptake remains very low. Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Nigeria can help support public health efforts to increase vaccine uptake.

Aim: This study evaluates Nigerian HCWs' acceptance and intent to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine.

Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional survey among 1,852 HCWs in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings across Nigeria. Respondents included doctors, nurses, pharmacy workers, and clinical laboratory professionals who have direct clinical contact with patients in various healthcare settings. A 33-item questionnaire was used in the study, with two of the questions focused on the COVID-19 vaccine. The responses to the two questions were analyzed using Chi-square (c2) tests and independent t-tests to determine the acceptance of the vaccine.

Results: The majority of respondents were younger than 34 years (n = 1,227; 69.2%) and primarily worked in hospitals (n = 1,278; 72.0%). Among the respondents, 79.2% (n = 1,467) endorsed the COVID-19 vaccine as a critical tool in reducing the impact of the disease, and 76.2% (n = 1,412) will accept and recommend the vaccine to their patients. The younger HCWs were more likely to endorse and recommend the vaccine to their patients.

Conclusion: There is a moderately high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among HCWs surveyed in our study. The confidence of HCWs in its use and their willingness to recommend it to their patients can provide a potentially useful element in increasing acceptance by the larger population in Nigeria.