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Background: The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants may necessitate an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare workers' (HCWs) acceptance of a COVID-19 yearly booster vaccine if recommended and its association with their attitudes and burnout levels., Methods: We used an online self-administered questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study of all HCWs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of Palestine between August and September 2022. We used the Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale to assess HCWs' vaccination attitudes and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess work-related Burnout. In addition, we conducted logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with the acceptance of the booster vaccine., Results: The study included 919 HCWs; 52.4% were male, 46.5% were physicians, 30.0% were nurses, and 63.1% worked in hospitals. One-third of HCWs (95% CI: 30.5%-36.7%) said they would accept an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended. HCWs who are suspicious of vaccine benefits [aOR = .70; 95%CI: .65-.75] and those concerned about unforeseeable future effects [aOR = .90; 95%CI: .84-.95] are less likely to accept the booster vaccine if recommended, whereas those who receive annual influenza vaccine are more likely to get it [aOR = 2.9; 95%CI: 1.7-5.0]., Conclusion: Only about a third of HCWs would agree to receive an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended. Mistrust of the vaccine's efficacy and concerns about side effects continue to drive COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. Health officials need to address HCWs' concerns to increase their acceptance of the annual vaccine if it is to be recommended., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Uncertainty about vaccination among nurses are major barriers to managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic worldwide., Purpose: To explore nurseś perceptions about receiving the SARS CoV-2 vaccine to inform the upcoming Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) vaccination efforts., Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with nurses between January 18 and 30, 2021, before MOH launched vaccinations in Palestine. Participants working in government and private facilities were invited to participate and completed an online or paper form to provide demographics, review the study purpose, and give consent. Meetings were facilitated in Arabic either online via the Zoom platform or face-to-face using the same interview guide. Transcripts were translated into English and coded using a template analysis approach., Results: Forty-six nurses, with a median age of 29.5y (range, 22-57) from across Palestine participated. Three major themes emerged: uncertainty, trust, and the knowledge needed to move forward. Uncertainty related to the evolving nature of COVID-19, the rapidity of vaccine development, the types and timing of available vaccines. The need for trusted experts to share scientific information about the vaccines to counteract the misinformation in social media. Moreover, reliable vaccine information may help vaccine-hesitant nurses move to vaccine-acceptors and to convince others, including their patients., Conclusion: The negative perception of nurses towards vaccines is problematic in Palestine and uncertainty about which vaccine(s) will be available adds to the lack of education and mass-media misinformation. Other countries with vaccination efforts that are not wholly planned or implemented and may be struggling with similar concerns .

Objective: To measure COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and related factors to undercover nurses' concerns and fears., Design: A cross-sectional study., Sample: The study included 639 nurses; 83% were women and 80% under 50 years., Measurement: A self-administered questionnaire was used. It included demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related fears and concerns, COVID-19 vaccine perceived benefits, and intention toward getting the vaccine., Results: Forty percent of the nurses planned to get the vaccine when available, 41% would take it later when adequate protection and safety were presented, and 18% would never take it. Significant factors associated with vaccination intention were as follows: age (adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.99); lack of knowledge about the vaccine (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.81-3.8); concern about long-term side effects (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.9); fear of injection (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.04-2.13); natural immunity preference (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 4.5-8.3); media misrepresentation (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4); and getting COVID-19 from the vaccine (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1)., Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine safety and side-effects concerns impact nurses' intentions to accept the vaccine and may result in low acceptance rates. Urgent action is needed to address these fears and raise confidence, as nurses' vaccine-related decisions can affect the public's vaccine acceptance., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

With the planned COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine hesitation is a great challenge, particularly for healthcare professionals. In this study, we examined the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by health care workers, their concerns about it, and the reasons that might prevent them from getting vaccinated. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey from December 25, 2020, to January 6, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics (age, gender, profession, sector, medical history, and general health), COVID-19 related knowledge, and personal history of influenza vaccination. The intention to get the vaccine once it is available was directly asked, and attitudes towards the diseases and the vaccine were studied using a four-point Likert scale statement based on the health belief model's constructs. The study included 1159 HCWs; 62.9% were females, and 52.5% were between the ages of 30-49 years. The intention to get vaccinated was only 37.8% [95%CI: 35.0%-40.6%], while 31.5% were undecided, and 30.7% planned to refuse it. Higher levels of intention were reported among males (OR; 2.7, 95%CI: 2.0-3.7), younger ages (OR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1-2.8), physicians (OR; 2.9, 95%CI: 2.0-4.0), HCWs at non-governmental settings (OR; 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1-1.9), those who previously received the influenza vaccine (OR 4.0, 95%CI: 2.3-7.1), and those who had higher COVID-19 related knowledge (OR; 1.7, 95%CI: 2.3-7.1). In conclusion, vaccine acceptance among HCWs was much lower than expected, which would greatly diminish the role of vaccination in reducing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the community., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The COVID-19 vaccine coverage has been shown to differ by gender, with females being more hesitant to vaccinate, even among healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess female healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination coverage and anti-vaccination attitudes. We conducted a cross sectional study using an online questionnaire. We included healthcare workers from various professions and examined their sociodemographic characteristics and anti-vaccination attitudes using the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale and COVID-19 vaccination coverage. In addition, we assessed factors associated with coverage using multivariable analysis. Female healthcare workers had significantly lower vaccine coverage [59.6% (95%CI: 55.5%-63.7%)] than males [74.9% (95%CI: 70.7-78.8%)]. In addition, they have significantly higher anti-vaccination attitudes and lower perceived vaccine knowledge. Vaccine coverage is age-related in female healthcare workers, with 52.7% in the less than 30-year age group and 70.7% in the ≥50-year age group. The age group 40-49 and middle-income category are positively associated with vaccination coverage among female healthcare workers. In contrast, living with a child, having a history of COVID-19 infection, mistrust of vaccine benefits, and worries about unforeseen effects are all associated with lower coverage. In conclusion, female healthcare workers have significantly lower vaccine coverage, especially for the younger age groups, associated with mistrust of vaccine benefits and worries about unforeseen effects. These findings highlight the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs as part of efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccination; evidence-based communications tailored to their concerns are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies about the long-term effects of COVID-19 show a wide range of symptoms. This prospective cohort study aimed to find the incidence of long-COVID symptoms and the associated risk factors. We followed 669 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and collected via semi-structured telephone interviews on days 10, 30, 60, and 90. The incidence of long-COVID symptoms was 41.6% (95% CI 37.8–45.4%). Females [aOR = 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.3)], the elderly [aOR = 4.9 (95% CI 2.0–11.3)], and those who required hospitalization [aOR = 5.0 (95% CI 1.3–3.7)] were at a higher risk of developing long-COVID. Patients with dyspnea at day 10 [aOR: 2.4 (95% CI 1.6–3.7] and fatigue at day 60 [aOR: 3.1 (95% CI 1.5–6.3] were also at risk. While non-vaccinated patients were almost seven times more likely to report long-COVID symptoms than vaccinated patients [aOR: 6.9 (95% CI 4.2–11.3)]. In conclusion, long-COVID was common among COVID-19 patients, with higher rates among females, older age groups, hospitalized patients, and those with dyspnea and fatigue, while vaccination provided protection. Interventions should educate health professionals, raise general public awareness about the risks and consequences of Long COVID, and the value of vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to determine COVID-19 vaccination coverage among pregnant women and investigate the factors affecting vaccine uptake. Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Setting: Palestinian health care facilities. Between October and November 2021 – eight months after the country's first COVID-19 vaccination. Sample: We needed 820 people to estimate vaccination coverage among pregnant women with a precision rate of 3%. Therefore, we invited 950 pregnant Palestinian women who were eligible and had a response rate of 91.6%. Measures: An interviewer-administered questionnaire examined vaccination uptake, attitudes, and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. Analysis: Bivariable and multivariable analysis using SPSS. Results: vaccination uptake was reported by 219 pregnant women [25.5%, 95% CI: 22.6% −28.5%]. Knowledge (aOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.1), perceived benefits (aOR=1.1; 95% CI: 1.06-1.16), employment (aOR=5; 95% CI: 3.1-8.1), and underlying medical condition (aOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-4.1) predicted uptake. Reporting vaccine barriers reduces vaccine uptake (aOR=.92; 95% CI:.89-95). Conclusions: Pregnant women's COVID-19 vaccination rates are low. Concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for infants affected their decision. COVID-19 vaccination regulations and legislative nudges drove maternal vaccination. Vaccine fears and misconceptions among pregnant women should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore pregnant women's attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination and determinants of vaccine acceptance. We conducted a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending PHC clinics and hospitals in the West-bank of Palestine. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire based on Health Belief Model. The study's primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. We used the Chi-square test to compare those who accepted the vaccine versus those who refused it and conducted binary logistic regression to explore independent determinants of vaccination acceptance. Among the 728 pregnant women who took part in the study, 20.7 percent showed positive attitudes (acceptance) toward COVID-19 vaccination. Employment (aOR 4.0; 95 percentCI: 2.2–7.3), a history of COVID-19 (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.1), and having a relative who died from COVID-19 (aOR 2.3; 95 percentCI: 1.2–4.7) increased the likelihood of vaccine acceptance, as did vaccine perceived effectiveness (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.2) and perceived protection from severe disease (aOR 2.0; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.5). On the other hand, perceived limited access (aOR 0.540; 95 percentCI: 0.31–0.87) and perceived harm to the baby (aOR 0.346; 95 percentCI 0.22–0.54) remained the main barriers toward vaccine acceptance. In conclusion, pregnant women's acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is unsatisfactory. Concerns about its effect on unborn babies were major barriers to vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Almost two-thirds of Palestinian HCWs received the COVID-19 vaccine. • Females are less likely than males to be vaccinated. • Fear of future negative effects and mistrust of vaccines affected uptake. • The lack of sufficient research studies is the most frequently cited barrier. • Addressing HCWs' concerns and barriers will enhance vaccine uptake. In response to this extraordinary outbreak, many countries and companies rush to develop an effective vaccine, authorize, and deliver it to all people across the world. Despite these extensive efforts, curbing this pandemic relies highly upon vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine SARS-COV-2 vaccine uptake among Palestinian healthcare workers, the factors that influence vaccination uptake, and the motivators and barriers to vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire during April and May 2021, after the Palestinian Ministry of Health launched the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination attitude and vaccination uptake status, and motivators and barriers towards vaccination. In addition, multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of vaccination uptake. The study included 1018 participants from different professions, including 560 (55.0%) females. Of the participants, 677 (66.5%; 95% CI: 63.5–69.4%) received the vaccine. Higher uptake was observed among males (aOR = 1.5; 95 %CI: 1.1–2.1), single HCWs (aOR = 1.3; 95 %CI: 1.1–1.8), HCWs working in the non-governmental sector (aOR = 1.6; 95 %CI: 1.2–2.4), higher monthly income (aOR = 1.9; 95 %CI: 1.4–2.8) and smoking (aOR = 1.5; 95 %CI: 1.1–3.5). The lower level of negative vaccination attitudes predicted higher intake; mistrust of vaccine belief (aOR = 1.6; 95 %CI: 1.4–1.7) and worries over unforeseen future effects (aOR = 1.2; 95 %CI: 1.1–1.3). In conclusion, the COVID-19 vaccination uptake was comparable to other studies worldwide but still needs to be improved, especially in the context of this ongoing global pandemic. It is imperative to invest resources to promote vaccination uptake and target all the vaccine misconceptions and fears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]