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Original Research – Special Collection: Vaccine Effectiveness in Africa
Vaccine uptake, barriers and enhancers of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers from high-burden cities in Ethiopia
Submitted: 07 June 2024 | Published: 09 April 2025
About the author(s)
Gutema B. Tura, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaDerbachew A. Teni, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Saro Abdella, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Jaleta B. Tura, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yakob Wondarad, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Getahun Fetensa, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tesfaye Gelanew, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alemseged Abdissa, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Senga Sembuche, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Elizabeth Gonese, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tamrat Shaweno, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Nebiyu Dereje, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mosoka P. Fallah, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Leah Mbabazi, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
Rodgers R. Ayebare, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
Agnes Kiragga, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
Francis Kakooza, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
Mesay Hailu, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Getachew Tollera, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Raji Tajudeen, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Aster Tsegaye, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and, Ethiopian Public Health Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and, African Forum for Research and Education in Health Limited by Guarantee, Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to protect themselves and promote public health.
Aim: This study assessed COVID-19 vaccination uptake, barriers and enhancers among HCWs in high-burden cities in Ethiopia.
Setting: A cross-sectional survey among 600 randomly selected HCWs from 30 health facilities (May 2023 to July 2023).
Methods: Interviewer-administered questionnaires assessed vaccination status, concerns and motivators. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression identified factors associated with vaccination.
Results: Overall, 70.3% (n = 422) received at least one dose, and 39.2% (n = 235) were fully vaccinated. Safety concerns (51.9%) were the main barrier. More information on safety and efficacy (53.1%) and regulatory approval (27.3%) were key motivators. Those not recommending vaccination were less likely to be vaccinated (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–0.85). Professionals such as radiographers (PR = 0.78), pharmacists (PR = 0.79) and laboratory personnel (PR = 0.85) were less likely compared to physicians. Older HCWs (> 25 years) were twice as likely to be vaccinated. HCWs in health centres were more likely to be vaccinated than those in hospitals (PR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.076–1.341).
Conclusion: A significant proportion of HCWs were not fully vaccinated. Targeting hospital workers and younger age groups and improving HCWs confidence in recommending vaccination can increase uptake.
Contribution: This study reveals COVID-19 vaccine safety, efficacy and confidence concerns of HCWs, highlighting the need for targeted awareness to strengthen national vaccination efforts against pandemics.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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