Email this article 
Hide
Show all
Original Research – Special Collection: Vaccine Effectiveness in Africa
Barriers and enhancers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe
Submitted: 05 July 2024 | Published: 18 February 2025
About the author(s)
Nicholas Midzi, Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit, National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, ZimbabweClara Haruzivishe, Department of Community Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Africa Forum for Research and Education in Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
Senga Sembuche, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
Masceline J. Mutsaka-Makuvaza, Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit, National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
Rodgers Ayebare, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Leah Mbabazi, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Suzan Nakasendwa, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Tonny Muwonge, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Carl Mateta, Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit, National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tafadzwa Madanhire, Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit, National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
Cynthia Chaibva, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Calleta Gwatiringa, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Kudzaishe Mutsaka, Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit, National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
Virginia Mawerewere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Isaac Phiri, Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
Elizabeth Gonese, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tamrat Shaweno, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Nebiyu Dereje, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Raji Tajudeen, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mosoka Fallah, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Monrovia, Liberia
Munyaradzi Dobbie, Public Health Division, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs). Understanding their vaccine uptake and perceptions is vital to promote acceptance.
Aim: This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine uptake, associated factors and HCW willingness to recommend vaccination in Zimbabwe.
Setting: The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey involving 200 HCWs in seven central healthcare facilities from May 2023 to June 2023.
Methods: Data on demographics, vaccination status, knowledge, attitudes and trust in information sources were collected. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression identified factors associated with vaccine uptake.
Results: Of the respondents (female: 68%, median age [interquartile range {IQR}: 34]; [28–43] years), 94% (188/200) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 49.5%, 41% and 3.5% having been fully vaccinated, received a booster and partially vaccinated, respectively. Also, 74% of the HCWs would recommend the COVID-19 vaccines to their patients. Out of the total, 15% of HCWs identified that vaccine safety was their major barrier to getting vaccinated. The vaccination rate among nurses and midwives was 9.6% (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.904; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.833, 0.981) lower when compared to physicians. The study also identified that the booster vaccination rate was higher in older HCWs (PR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03).
Conclusion: High COVID-19 vaccine uptake was observed among HCWs in Zimbabwe. However, concerns about vaccine safety persist. Targeted interventions addressing these concerns are needed to maximise vaccine acceptance in this key population.
Contribution: This study reveals specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in Zimbabwe.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
Total abstract views: 408Total article views: 436