gms | German Medical Science

Background: The development of effective vaccines and a high vaccination coverage are seen as key elements to containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Although studies suggest that widely used vaccines are generally effective and safe, significant proportions of the population, including health care personnel, are hesitant to get vaccinated. To effectively address their concerns, it is important to understand how health workers (HWs) perceive vaccines and how these perceptions are shaped.

Objectives: The present study aims to analyze the perception of COVID-19 vaccines and identify factors that influence acceptance of or hesitancy towards vaccination among HWs in Turkey.

Materials and methods: A qualitative study design using document analysis was applied. We included the two largest social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and the five most commonly used social media forums in Turkey. Threads and comments related to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination posted between 09/2020 and 02/2021 were extracted. Using a combination of inductive and deductive coding, 3 main categories and 13 subcategories were obtained from 1295 tweets and comments.

Results: Many HWs indicate a hesitancy towards vaccination because of a lack of trust in vaccine providers. The emergency use of vaccines created anxiety among HWs and led them to question the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines because of incomplete trials and the spread of new mutations of the virus. While familiarity with “classic” vector-based vaccines increased acceptance, some HWs, especially those with chronic conditions or disabilities, refused vaccination since they could not get sufficient information about potential side effects. However, perceptions vary by socio-economic status. While doctors adopt a supporting position by encouraging vaccination and providing scientific evidence to recommend vaccination, other HWs more often refuse to get vaccinated.

Discussion: Factors influencing the perception of vaccines vary between different types of HWs. The level of knowledge about the new vaccines and personal experiences determine the HWs’ perspectives of vaccination, which are highly shaped by information received through social media as well. Perceived efficacy of vaccines, perceptions of the trustworthiness of the respective suppliers and perceived severity of the disease also affect the decision-making process. Recommendations of experts who are perceived as opinion leaders also have a significant effect on vaccine acceptance among HWs.

Practical implications: The results of the study can aid in increasing acceptance of future vaccination efforts and in addressing concerns of vaccine safety and effectiveness. In this respect, providing comprehensive information about vaccines and relying on medical experts to build trust is essential to prevent the spread of false information on social media and to improve acceptance among HWs.

Appeal for practice (science and/or care): Further studies are necessary to explore how the Turkish general population forms their perceptions in order to increase general acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination efforts.