Knowledge and Behavioral Beliefs Related to Vaccination Hesitancy Among Healthcare Workers

The world continues to face multiple ongoing health challenges, including outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. It is well documented that vaccines are one of the safest, most effective, and cost-effective tools available in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. At present, vaccines prevent 2 -3 million deaths a year, with a further 1.5 million that could be prevented if for instance factors such as global coverage of vaccinations improved. However, despite the evident convenience and availability of vaccine services in some locations across the globe, vaccine uptake because of vaccine hesitancy remains an ongoing issue. In line with this, it is therefore crucial to address vaccine hesitancy specifically amongst healthcare workers who are one of the most significant driving forces in protecting and influencing public health.

Healthcare workers are one of the most trusted sources in providing credible and accurate information on vaccines to the public and as such can heavily influence vaccination decisions. In addition, healthcare workers are in close contact with vulnerable patients, including those who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical and health conditions. Therefore, ensuring a high vaccination uptake among healthcare workers is crucial in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and promoting vaccine safety amongst vulnerable populations to save lives and help to reduce the burden on public healthcare systems.

Considering these points, this Research Topic aims to provide further insight and better inform public health about the knowledge and behavioral beliefs that underly vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers, so that lives can continue to be protected and that global progress toward tackling vaccine-preventable diseases can continue. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Factors and determinants that influence vaccination uptake and hesitancy among healthcare workers;

• The role of demographics, socio-economic factors, and health beliefs in shaping vaccination attitudes and behavior among healthcare workers;

• The impact of misinformation, social media, and other external factors on vaccination attitudes among healthcare workers;

• Concerns and misinformation surrounding vaccines;

• Strategies and interventions to improve vaccination uptake and address vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (i.e., communication strategies - how can opportunities for healthcare workers to ask questions and engage in dialogue with vaccine experts be provided particularly in rural areas);

• Innovative and current effective strategies to improve vaccination uptake among healthcare workers.