Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Nursing Home Staff and the Need for Ongoing Education and Vaccine Access

Abstract

Objective: To study vaccine hesitancy among health care workers who provide direct care in nursing homes and long term care facilities which cater to the most vulnerable population of the community. Design: This is a cross sectional cohort study Setting and participants: The study was conducted on the front line healthcare workers who work in long term care facilities. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted on the certified nurse assistants on November 16th 2020 which reached 7000 survey recipients. Results: Out of 7000 survey recipients, 3119 responded (45% response rate). There was 71.6% (2,233) negative response about taking the covid19 vaccine due to lack of trust and education of information Conclusions and implications: Our study concluded that the vaccine hesitancy is high among the health care workers of long-term care facility and that ongoing education and interactive dialogue with certified nurse assistants and ongoing access to vaccine is critical as the willingness improves.