Acceptance of an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine by healthcare workers: the effect of burnout and anti-vaccination attitudes

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 an annual COVID-19 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 in all West Bank and Gaza Strip districts between August and September 2022. The VAX scale was used to assess HCWs' vaccination attitudes, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess work-related burnout. In addition, we used logistic regression analyses to identify factors that were independently associated with the acceptance of the annual COVID-19 booster vaccine. Results: The study included 919 HCWs; 52.3% were male, 58.8% were under 30, 46.5% were physicians, 30.0% were nurses, and 63.1% worked in hospitals. 33.5% 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 an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended, whereas those who receive annual influenza vaccine are more likely to accept it [aOR= 2.9; 95%CI: 1.7-5.0]. Conclusion: an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine is poorly accepted by HCWs. 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 recommended.