gms | German Medical Science

Background: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were and are facing enormous challenges. In addition to the necessity to ensure an adequate care of patients during the pandemic, nurses were and are confronted with an increased risk of infection and illness for themselves and their patients. Sufficient protection through vaccinations is essential to reduce the risk of infection and COVID-19-related mortality for both nurses and the patients they care for.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate nurses' vaccination readiness, attitudes and concerns.

Methods: An exploratory, qualitative approach was used to examine vaccination readiness, attitudes, and concerns using partially standardized guided interviews which were analyzed following Kuckartz's structuring content analysis. Interviews were conducted with 10 female hospital nurses, aged 24–44 years.

Results: At the time of the interview 9 of the 10 respondents had been vaccinated. Despite their own vaccination, concerns have been raised about the short developmental period and rapid availability of vaccines, the long-term consequences, and the impact on fertility. Vaccination readiness was rated high especially when respondents also had a positive attitude to vaccines in general. In addition, respondents indicated information deficits among colleagues concerning COVID-19 and vaccination. Nurses working part-time or those employed through temporary employment agencies did not receive the same information or vaccination services as full-time nurses, according to the respondents.

Discussion: The results provide insights into nurses' concerns about the COVID-19 vaccination. Concerns existed among a large proportion of respondents and were related to perceptions about a rapid development process, rapid availability, and insufficient testing. Free access to scientific literature and informational events, in addition to financial rewards, were seen as promoting vaccination motivation among hesitant colleagues. The results highlight challenges part-time or temporary nurses encounter in terms of having access to information and in arranging appointments. One limitation is that only a small sample has been interviewed.

Practical implications: Adequate health education is needed to address nurses’ concerns and increase their willingness to get vaccinated. Confidence in vaccination could also be increased through the provision of information by trusted leaders. A focus should be placed on nurses working part-time and on those employed through employment agencies: they have to have the same access to information events and appointments as their permanently employed colleagues in order to be able to make an informed decision about vaccination. Furthermore, nurses should be granted free access to scientific literature to address existing misinformation.

Appeal to the practice (science and/or nursing) in one sentence: The inclusion of both vaccinated and not vaccinated nurses in the planning and implementation of information campaigns can increase the effectiveness of these events and address concerns and potential misinformation among the target group.